Keywords: decade India ISSP module Family gender roles ISSP2012 ISSP2022

The International Social Survey Program (ISSP) module on "Family and Changing Gender Roles" has been fielded multiple times in many countries, but for India only twice. The 2012 Module (Family and Changing Gender Roles IV) was first ever ISSP module fielded in India focusing on the themes of questions on attitudes towards employment of mothers, division of household labor, marriage, and alternative family structures like same-sex parenting. The 2022 Module (Family and Changing Gender Roles V) was the second iteration in India, building on previous modules with updated questions potentially reflecting contemporary issues and changes in societal norms.
Some Trends in India from 2012 to 2022: Employment of Women: Back in 2012 there was a mix of traditional and progressive views. Many supported women's right to work but with caveats about balancing work and family responsibilities, which often leaned towards traditional gender roles where the woman's primary role was seen as domestic. The 2022 data shows an increase in acceptance of women in the workforce might be observed, potentially influenced by economic necessity and changing cultural norms. However, the persistence of traditional views on women's primary roles in child-rearing and household management might still be significant.
Division of Household Labor: There seems to be a slight shift towards acknowledging shared responsibilities in household chores. However, the change might be more pronounced in urban areas compared to rural India, where traditional gender roles are more entrenched.
Views on Marriage and Family Structure: Earlier marriage was highly valued, with divorce and alternative family forms like single parenting or same-sex couples often viewed with skepticism or disapproval. But the data shows that there could be a nuanced shift, with younger demographics showing more openness to alternative family structures, although acceptance might still be low. The stigma around divorce might decrease slightly, though the cultural emphasis on marriage remains strong.
Gender Equality and Policy Support: Over the decade, there might be an increased support for policies promoting gender equality, like maternity/paternity leave, though the application and actual change in policy implementation could lag behind public sentiment.
Attitudes Towards Children: The ideal number of children might show a trend towards smaller families influenced by economic factors, urbanization, and education, though this varies significantly across socio-economic groups. It will be interesting to observe variations not just in education and income patterns, but also in Religion and local ethnic variations due to traditional values driven aspects as well as recent political debates around demographic changes in society.
While there are signs of evolving attitudes towards gender roles and family structures in India, the pace and extent of change are influenced by numerous factors including education, urbanization, media exposure, and economic status. The ISSP data suggests a slow but discernible shift towards more progressive views, yet traditional norms continue to hold significant sway, especially in less urbanized or conservative regions.