A Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Model of Challenges Faced by Women Workers in the Unorganised Sector: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

This study adopts a mixed-methods research design to explore the multi-dimensional challenges faced by women workers in the unorganised sector of Virudhunagar district. Combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the researcher collects data through structured surveys and in-depth interviews with a sample of 542 women workers from various sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and small-scale industries. The quantitative component captures data on employment conditions, wages, health and safety concerns, and social protection access, while qualitative insights are gathered through focus group discussions and interviews with women workers, community leaders, and NGO representatives. The study employs an inductive approach to develop a context-specific scale for measuring the challenges faced by women workers, using grounded theory for theory development. Additionally, a deductive approach is used to test existing theories and guide scale development. This combination ensures a comprehensive, reliable, and valid scale, essential for studying the complex, multi-dimensional issues in the unorganised sector. The study's findings provide valuable implications into the socio-cultural, economic, and safety challenges that shape the work environment for women in the unorganised sector and offer recommendations for policy intervention and practical solutions.