employment — Blog — Sage Perspectives Blog

Working Lives in India: A Research Agenda

India presents a rich context for research on work and employment, epitomising the paradox of being the world’s fifth biggest economy but one where 92.4% of the workforce is informal – insecure, unprotected, poor – and women and disadvantaged groups most vulnerable.

The work and employment scenario is characterised by ‘jobless growth’, development rooted in rising informalisation of the workforce, low productivity juxtaposed with some niche high-growth sectors, high levels of poverty in agriculture, and low female participation in the workforce. Social relations of gender, caste, ethnicity and religion intersect with material relations, further reinforcing existing inequalities in the labour market and at the workplace. It is in this context of informalisation and fragmentation of labour that working lives in India need to be examined.

Editor's Picks, ResearchMoazzma ArshadNovember 23, 2022employment, emerging economy, labour, workplace, Sustainable Development

The Case for Offering Paid Leave: Benefits to the Employer, Employee, and Society

During the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have worried about themselves or their family members becoming ill, and many had to choose between taking time off or retaining their jobs. Given these extreme circumstances coupled with low unemployment rates, we propose that employers should look at paid leave as a way to recruit and retain employees.

Editor's Picks, ResearchMaria Pia TissotNovember 2, 2022paid leave, sick leave, employees, e, employment, job benefits

Human Development, Per Capita Income Differentials and English as Source of Demographic Dividends Among the Youth in India

India has a large youthful population; this ‘young nation’ is both a national and international resource that facilitates global value added. Such gains would accrue only when the youth are adequately educated, skilled and occupied in gainful employment. India, however, is staring at a missed opportunity that favours harnessing demographic dividends offered by demographic transition.

ResearchDeepa LintoJuly 22, 2021Human Development, Youth, India, employment, Poverty, English Language

Transitioning Into Critical Consciousness: Providing Equity During Pre-Employment Transition Services

COVID-19 and social justice movements have shed further light on systemic and structural racism within the U.S. education system. Racist policies and practices in U.S. education systems have historically disenfranchised students of color, particularly students of color with disabilities.

ResearchKimberley SimpsonMarch 22, 2021COVID-19, social justice, employment, transition services, Students