Grandparental Childcare and Labour Market Participation of Mothers in India

This paper examines whether the presence of grandparents increases the probability of mothers going out to work in India. Analysis of data from the Demographic Health Survey (2005-06), supplemented by a primary survey covering 750 graduate women in Kolkata shows that though conservative grandparents may oppose the mother's decision to work, support of grandparents--particularly maternal grandparents--is important in enabling these women to seek paid work in metropolitan cities. The type of care services provided by grandparents is also examined. The findings indicate the importance of multigenerational ties within the family.