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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Working women and social organisation of knowledge in India
Authors
Ayushi Bhargava, Dr. Narendra Gupta
Abstract
There exists a deep and dynamic relationship between working women and
the social organization of knowledge in India, shaped by historical, cultural
and institutional factors. The social organization of knowledge refers to the
ways in which a society produces, classifies, values and transmits knowledge.
Indian society has traditionally been patriarchal, structured around rigid
gender norms, gendered divisions of labour and caste hierarchies, all of which
have significantly influenced how women’s work is perceived, recognized and
documented. Although women have historically participated in diverse economic
activities, much of their labour has remained invisible within formal knowledge
systems. While women’s participation in formal employment receives institutional
recognition, their extensive contribution in the informal sector where a large
proportion of working women are engaged often remain unacknowledged. This paper
examines how the Indian knowledge system has shaped and defined women’s work,
tracing its historical legacy as well as the transformations experienced by
working women over time. It also explores the evolving challenges and
opportunities faced by women in contemporary India. Finally, the paper suggests
ways in which modern knowledge frameworks can be aligned with traditional
Indian knowledge systems to promote greater gender equality, social recognition
and women’s empowerment.
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Pages:117-120
How to cite this article:
Ayushi Bhargava, Dr. Narendra Gupta "Working women and social organisation of knowledge in India". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 117-120
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