Examining the Relationship Between Female Labour Force Participation and Crime Rates Against Women in India: A Cross-Regional Empirical Analysis

This research explores whether female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) correlates with crime rates against women across Indian states and union territories, and whether regional differences in crime rates exist. Drawing from cross-sectional data for 36 Indian regions during 2021-22, we use bivariate correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA to examine these relationships. Results indicate a weak, statistically non-significant negative correlation between FLFPR and crime rates (r = -0.178, p = 0.298), and no significant variation in crime rates across six major Indian regions (F (5,27) = 1.39, p = 0.258). These findings challenge simplistic narratives about the protective effects of economic participation and underscore the importance of multi-dimensional approaches to understanding genderbased crime. The study concludes with a discussion on data limitations and recommendations for future research directions, emphasizingthe need for more nuanced, longitudinal, and intersectional approaches.