Moser’s Triple Roles Framework and the Gender Dynamics of Intra-Household Labor Division in Odisha

To determine the role and status of rural women in the process of empowerment, a study was conducted in 2023 in the Astarang and Kakatpur blocks of the Puri district and the Bijepur and Bargarh blocks of the Bargarh district of Odisha. A comparative analysis was done because Bargarh is an interior district and Puri is a coastal district which was selected purposively. A total of four blocks, each with fifty rural women, were surveyed using the personal interview and focused group discussion methods. Two villages from each block of the district were considered, and each had twenty-five respondents resulting in a total of 200 rural women. The triple role framework developed by Caroline Mosher was used to determine the status and role of rural women in the productive, reproductive, and community contexts. Regardless of the region, more women were involved in reproductive activities i.e., 38% and 40.66% of rural women than in productive i.e., 20.08% and 18.71%, community, or sociocultural activities i.e., 8.75% and 8.00% of rural women in Puri and Bargarh district respectively. This research study faces challenges related to obtaining accurate and sensitive data, and navigating cultural intricacies that impact traditional gender roles, potentially hindering a comprehensive understanding of the topic. A consistent gender analysis is necessary before improving agricultural extension programs, achieving gender-balanced sustainable development of rural and urban areas in emerging nations, and promoting development effectiveness.