AN INVESTIGATION INTO CARE ECONOMY AND FEMALE LABOUR PARTICIPATION IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

One of the most notable events in recent years has been the significant rise in the proportion of women in the workforce. The growing involvement of women in paid employment has been influencing employment patterns and reducing the disparities in labour force participation rates between genders. Notably, throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, women had much more labour force expansion than males in all regions of the globe, with the exception of Africa. Within highly industrialised nations, the rise in female labour force participation has been associated with the successful completion of the fertility transition. Nevertheless, in some emerging nations, the decrease in fertility rates has been gradual or halted (Asongu and Odhiambo, 2020). Although much progress has been achieved in improving gender equality and empowering women and girls, the female workforce participation has declined by over 10 percent from 1990 to 2021. Current statistics indicate that the female labour force participation rate for those aged 25 and above is 48.5%, while for males in the same age bracket it is 83.4%. However, almost 64 percent of female workers are engaged in the informal sector, resulting in them being relegated to low-wage and very precarious employment void of social safeguards (ESCAP 2019a). The participation of women in the workforce, whether in official or informal sectors, coincides with their caregiving obligations. Women in Nigeria devote the most amount of time, both paid and unpaid, to caregiving and domestic chores compared to all other areas globally. In comparison to males, women allocate four times more resources than men towards unpaid care and domestic labour, and are required to balance paid employment with this disproportionate amount of unpaid labour (ESCAP 2021b). The inclusion of unpaid care and domestic labour performed by women in the GDP calculations of Asia and the Pacific region has the potential to contribute almost $3.8 trillion to the economy. Owing to the enduring presence of gender roles and societal conventions, women not only shoulder a heavier responsibility for unpaid care and household chores but are also expected to restrict their involvement in the workforce as a result. According to historical records, Abeokuta has been distinguished by conventional gender norms that provide women with the main duty for caring and household tasks, while males are frequently expected to be the main earners (Awotona, 2018). Therefore, women have substantial obstacles in balancing their caring obligations with paid work, resulting in much lower levels of female labour market participation in comparison to males. Current scholarly works emphasise the intricate connection between the care economy and the involvement of women in the workforce. Empirical research suggests that the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of official care services are essential factors in facilitating women's engagement in the workforce.  Furthermore, the experiences of women in the labour market are influenced by socio-cultural norms and institutional limitations. Pervasive patriarchal systems often restrict women's ability to get education, training, and job prospects, therefore worsening gender inequalities in active involvement in the workforce. A comprehensive grasp of the socio-cultural environment is crucial in order to develop efficient policies and interventions aimed at advancing gender equality and enhancing the economic empowerment of women in Abeokuta (Chapman, 2015). Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate care economy and female labour participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The care sector, which includes both unpaid care work and official care services, has a significant but often disregarded impact on labour dynamics, especially on the involvement of women in the workforce. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the care economy and female labour participation is crucial for promoting gender equality and economic growth in Abakaliki, Nigeria, where conventional gender roles and cultural expectations continue to exist (Adekanye, 2014). Nevertheless, despite its importance, there is a scarcity of extensive study investigating the impact of the care economy on female labour participation in Abakaliki. Previous research consistently lacks detailed understanding of the particular difficulties and possibilities encountered by women in managing caregiving duties with paid work within the local setting. The labour force participation rate among women in Abakaliki is rather low, which prompts enquiries into the variables that contribute to this deficit (Aidoo-Mensah, 2018). Analysing the intersection of caring obligations and career choices among women is crucial for developing focused interventions to improve female participation in the labour market. Females in Abakaliki have a disproportionate share of the responsibility for unpaid care labour, which includes childcare, elderly care, and domestic tasks. The degree to which these obligations hinder women's capacity to participate in paid work and strive for professional progression is far from being fully determined. Elucidating the influence of uncompensated care work on the labour market results of women is essential for formulating policies that foster fair and equal access to economic prospects (Akanle, 2018). The employment choices of women are likely to be influenced by the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of formal care services, including childcare facilities and eldercare assistance. However, there is a scarcity of study investigating the availability and quality of such services in Abakaliki. The examination of the obstacles encountered by women in obtaining formal care services might provide valuable insights for policy initiatives that seek to promote more female involvement in the workforce. Pervasive socio-cultural norms and institutional limitations influence the gender roles and expectations related to caring and work in Abakaliki (Akanle, 2018). The prevailing conventions might either hinder or enable women's involvement in the workforce. An analysis of the interaction of socio-cultural elements, institutional structures, and women's employment results is crucial for developing culturally appropriate policies that advance gender equality and economic empowerment. Hence, the study investigate care economy and female labour participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate care economy and female labour participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the impact of care work on women's ability to engage in paid employment and pursue career advancement in Abeokuta

To examine the relationship between the care economy and female labor force participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

To explore the role of socio-cultural norms in shaping women's experiences in the labor market  in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the impact of care work on women's ability to engage in paid employment and pursue career advancement in Abeokuta?

Is  there a relationship between the care economy and female labor force participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State?

What is the role of socio-cultural norms in shaping women's experiences in the labor market  in Abeokuta, Ogun State?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to the following

Policymakers: By shedding light on the intricate relationship between the care economy and female labor participation, this study can inform the development of gender-sensitive policies and interventions aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment in Abakaliki. Policymakers can use the findings to design targeted initiatives to reduce the burden of unpaid care work on women and enhance their access to formal care services, thus facilitating greater female labor force participation and contributing to overall economic growth.

Ministry of women affairs:  the study's significance lies in its potential to empower women in Abakaliki by providing them with a deeper understanding of the structural barriers and opportunities shaping their participation in the labor force. By raising awareness of the intersecting dynamics of the care economy and labor market participation, women can make more informed decisions regarding their employment choices, negotiate for better working conditions, and advocate for their rights within their communities and workplaces.

Academia: the findings of the study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on care economy and female labour participation in Abakaliki. Hence, the study will  assess the impact of care work on women's ability to engage in paid employment and pursue career advancement in Abeokuta, examine the relationship between the care economy and female labor force participation in Abeokuta, Ogun State and explore the role of socio-cultural norms in shaping women's experiences in the labor market  in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

Geographically, the study is delimited to  Abeokuta, Ogun State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Care Economy: The care economy refers to the economic activities associated with the provision of care, including both unpaid care work, such as household chores and caregiving responsibilities, and formal care services, such as childcare and eldercare, that are provided through paid employment or social services.

Female Labor Participation: Female labor participation refers to the involvement of women in the labor force through either paid employment or actively seeking employment.

Unpaid Care Work: Unpaid care work refers to the provision of care and domestic duties, including childcare, eldercare, cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks, performed without financial compensation. 

Formal Care Services: Formal care services are professional care services provided through formal institutions or organizations, such as childcare centers, nursing homes, and home care agencies. These services are typically paid for and may include childcare, eldercare, healthcare, and other support services.

Socio-Cultural Norms: Socio-cultural norms refer to the unwritten rules and expectations within a society regarding appropriate behavior, roles, and responsibilities based on cultural beliefs, traditions, and values. These norms often influence individuals' attitudes and behaviors towards gender roles, family dynamics, and social interactions.

Labor Force Participation Rate: The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the working-age population (typically defined as individuals aged 15 to 64 years) that is either employed or actively seeking employment. It is a key indicator of the extent to which the population is engaged in the labor market.

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