Unpaid care work among women in South Asia: A systematic review

Abstract

Abstract The specific aims of this systematic review are to (1) understand the prevalence and context for women's unpaid care work in South Asia, (2) explore factors that affect the prevalence of unpaid care work, and (3) identify gaps in the extant research on unpaid care work that influence women's lives. Using the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we searched 18 databases and identified 13 research studies. Drawing on the devaluation framework, we found three main recurring themes in the selected studies. First, women in South Asia disproportionately share the burden of unpaid care work responsibilities. Second, due to sociocultural norms, unpaid care work is unrecognized and devalued as are those who perform it. Third, flexible working arrangements for women are not currently being offered. We conclude that there is a need for care work policies that incorporate the unique cultures, demographics, and labor markets in South Asian contexts.

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