A major challenge in the Indian context is low women's labor force participation. One of the reasons behind this is the paradoxical relationship between women's education and women's labor force participation - an increase in education for women doesn't always lead to an increase in labor force participation. I have worked on gaining a better understanding of the reasons behind this U-shaped relationship. We find that low levels of labor force participation among women with moderate levels of education are somewhat attributable to ‘other family income effect’, a lack of suitable job opportunities for women with intermediate levels of education in the area of residence, and cultural stigma in the area of residence. However, the U-shaped relationship persists, even when these factors are accounted for. Instead, we suggest that a better explanation lies in the high levels of gender segregation where most white-collar jobs are reserved for men. I am interested in gaining greater insights into occupational sex-segregation in the Indian context.

I have worked on projects that examine the relationship between birth intendedness and subsequent maternal health care utilization and child health outcomes. I am broadly interested in working on determining the impact of various socio-demographic factors on overall physical, and mental health and well-being.

I have worked on a project on a global review of aging cities with the World Bank Group. I am currently working on elderly health and well-being in the Indian context.

I have worked previously on the broad topics of marriage migration and women's empowerment; and male migration in the Indian context. I have interests in expanding in this area in the future.

I am broadly interested in working on changing family structures, family dynamics and its implications on various outcomes.