Kerala, the southernmost state of India, is renowned for its unique development experience. The state has long been celebrated for its remarkable achievements in human and social development indicators, such as high literacy rate, increased life expectancy rate, low infant mortality rate, and a favourable sex ratio. Despite this, Kerala continues to grapple with the challenge of low female labour force participation. Although women outnumber men in higher education, there remains a striking gap in translating women's skills and qualifications into suitable job opportunities. The problem of low female labour force participation is not merely economic but also reflects social and cultural norms, and structural limitations of the job market. Women's access to and control over economic resources are critical for sustainable development. The change from domestic work to paid work is a major step towards economic independence and self-determination for many women. However, the underrepresentation and underutilisation of female human capital raise significant concerns.Against this backdrop, this book is an attempt to understand the paradox of low female labour force participation in a state otherwise acclaimed for its positive development indicators. It examines the extent of gender disparities in Kerala's labour market, the multifaceted barriers that hinder female employment decisions and the influence of post-pandemic work arrangements in shaping their labour market outcomes. The book offers valuable insights for policymakers, academicians, researchers, and both undergraduate and postgraduate students in fields such as economics, sociology, public policy, gender studies, and social development. Furthermore, the book will appeal to anyone seeking a micro-level understanding of the constraints and emerging opportunities shaping women's economic participation in Kerala's socio-economic landscape.

Contents
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Contextualising the Study
Women's Participation in the Labour Market in India and Kerala
Women's Participation: A Micro Level Assessment
Constraints and Alternative Work Arrangements
Summary and Conclusion
References