India has launched one of the world’s largest social policy experiments by transferring cash directly to housewives in recognition of their unpaid domestic labor. Across 12 states, an estimated 118 million adult women regularly receive 1,000 to 2,500 rupees (NT$348 to NT$871), equal to about 5% to 12% of household income.
Surveys show Indian women devote nearly five hours per day to household tasks — over 7.6 times men’s contribution. This imbalance is a major factor in India’s low female labor force participation. Though modest in amount, the transfers symbolically acknowledge the hidden labor supporting families and society.
Women who benefit from the program are able to manage their own accounts and decide how to spend the money. The funds are largely directed toward the essentials of family life, such as food, education, and healthcare. Recipients report a wide range of changes. Some describe inner calm, fewer disputes at home, and a stronger sense of confidence. Others mention improvements in diets and greater influence on household decisions. Researchers note that while a small portion of recipients view the transfers as wages for domestic work, many interpret them as a symbol of respect.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片:AdobeStock
Experts say the next phase must focus on linking the transfers to the value of unpaid household work and women’s rights. When society begins to see household labor as real work, women will be better prepared to enter the formal workforce as opportunities arise. The transfers can thus help challenge traditional gender roles. Many women stress that what they want is paid employment and lasting respect. This new policy may prove to be a step toward that goal.
印度推行一項全球規模最大的社會政策試驗之一，直接轉帳現金給家庭主婦，認可她們無酬的家務勞動。據估計，遍及十二個邦裡，約 1.18 億名成年女性定期領取一千至兩千五盧比（換算成新臺幣為三百四十八至八百七十一元），相當於家庭收入的 約 5—12%。
調查顯示印度女性每日花費近五小時做家事——是男性家務時間的7.6倍以上。這種家務不均是印度女性勞動參與低的主因之一。雖然轉帳金額不大，但其象徵性地認可了支撐起家庭和社會的隱形勞動。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片:AdobeStock
受惠於該制度的女性能自行管理帳戶並決定如何運用這筆錢。這些款項主要用於食物、教育和醫療保健等家庭生活必需項目。受惠者表示發生了許多變化。有些人述說其帶來內心的平靜、家庭衝突減少，也增強了自信心。有些人則提到飲食改善以及在家庭決策上擁有更大的影響力。研究人員指出雖有一小部分受惠者將現金轉帳視為家務的報酬，但許多人是將其解讀為尊重的表示。
專家提到，下一階段須著重於將現金轉帳與無酬家務的價值及女性權益連結起來。當社會開始將家務勞動視為真正的工作，一旦就業機會出現，女性就能更有準備地進入正規勞工市場。因此，現金轉帳有助於挑戰傳統的性別角色。許多女性強調她們想要的是有薪僱用和持久的尊重。這項新政策或許能證明是朝那項目標所邁出的一步。
What Did You Learn?
1. What is one of the biggest reasons for the low number of women joining the workforce in India?
2. What might be the next stage of the cash transfer policy?
參考答案 :
1. Indian women spend over 7.6 times as much time on daily household tasks as men.
2. To focus on linking the transfers to the value of unpaid household work and women’s rights.
Words in Use
1. transfer n. 轉帳 / & vt. 轉帳
Frank waited for the money transfer to reach his account.
法蘭克等待轉帳的款項入帳。
Banks often charge fees when customers transfer money to foreign accounts.
客戶匯款到國外帳戶時，銀行通常會收取手續費。
2. experiment n. 試驗，試行
The city launched an education experiment to test new teaching methods.
該市啟動一項教育政策試驗，以試行新的教學方式。
3. domestic a. 家務的
Adam shares domestic duties like cooking and cleaning with his wife.
亞當與妻子分擔煮飯和打掃等家事。
4. household a. 家用的，家庭的
Ben bought common household items like soap and shampoo.
阿班買了肥皂和洗髮精等常見的家用品。
5. participation n. 參與，參加
labor force participation 勞動參與（十五歲以上民間人口中實際參與或有意參與勞動市場的比例）
The teacher encourages student participation during every lesson.
這位老師鼓勵學生在每堂課中積極參與。
Practical Phrases
1. an estimated + 數字 估計有……
estimated a. 估計的，估算的
An estimated 10% of the trees in this region were damaged because of the typhoon.
估計該區域有 10% 的樹木因為這場颱風而受損。
2. devote A to B 將A奉獻給B
devote vt. 貢獻
Ken wants to devote more effort to his studies.
阿肯想要在學業上投入更多努力。
3. benefit from... 從……中受益
Local restaurants benefited from the increase in tourists.
當地餐廳受益於遊客數增加。
4. view A as B 視A為B = see A as B
Mark tends to view every challenge as an opportunity.
馬克傾向於將每個挑戰視為機會。
Henry sees the rain as a good reason to stay inside and read.
亨利認為下雨剛好可以待在室內閱讀。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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