Contrast this with the woman in a village in Bihar or Uttar Pradesh. Her lifestyle is defined by fetching water, cooking over a chulha (mud stove), and working in the fields. However, thanks to government schemes like NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) and NGOs like SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), her culture is shifting. She is now part of a Self Help Group (SHG), learning to stitch, sell pickles, or manage a micro-credit fund. For her, "lifestyle improvement" means owning a gas cylinder to avoid smoke inhalation or having a toilet within the home.

Traditionally, Indian society has been patriarchal, with men holding significant power and authority. However, the roles and expectations from women have been undergoing a transformation over the years. Historically, women were often confined to domestic roles, with their primary responsibilities revolving around household chores and childcare. While many women still embrace these roles, the modern era has seen a significant shift, with women increasingly participating in the workforce, education, and various professional fields.

Many women live in joint family systems where childcare and household management are shared responsibilities.