Book Name: Invisible Hands of the Indian Economy

Author: Suhanaa Setty

Publisher: NotionPress

Price: INR 799

Suhanaa Setty reveals the vital yet unrecognised labour of women in India. Her book  Invisible - Hands of the Indian Economy challenges traditional economic measures, spotlighting the essential contributions of unpaid work that support both families and the economy, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

Suhanaa Setty’s debut book, Invisible - Hands of the Indian Economy, is a compelling and insightful examination of the often-overlooked contributions of women to India’s economy. At just 16 years old, Setty offers a powerful critique of traditional economic frameworks, highlighting how the labour of countless women remains unrecognised in standard economic measures such as GDP. Her work is both a poignant exploration of personal stories and a significant challenge to conventional notions of economic value.

The book focuses on the lives of 22 women from diverse backgrounds whose essential, yet unpaid, work is crucial to the functioning of both their families and the broader economy. Setty uses personal anecdotes and striking black-and-white photography to vividly illustrate these stories. Through these narratives, she contrasts the visible, often well-compensated labour found in offices and factories with the invisible, unpaid labour performed in homes and informal sectors. This approach serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and valuing work that sustains the economy but is frequently taken for granted.

A central strength of the book lies in its critique of the National Income Accounting (NIA) systems, which fail to account for the economic contributions of women’s unpaid labour. Setty adeptly demonstrates how traditional economic measures overlook crucial aspects of economic activity, particularly those related to household management and caregiving. By highlighting these gaps, Setty challenges readers to rethink what constitutes economic value and to consider a more inclusive definition of productivity that encompasses all forms of labour.

Setty’s personal reflections on her mother’s sacrifices add a poignant emotional depth to the narrative. She recounts how her mother left a promising career to manage the household and care for the family - an experience that profoundly shaped Setty’s understanding of the value of care work. These personal insights enrich the book and provide a lens through which the broader issue of undervalued labour is examined.

The stories of the 22 women featured in the book, such as Ratna, a construction worker who is paid less than her male counterparts and Garima, a business owner balancing her entrepreneurial ambitions with unpaid family care, are presented with empathy and respect. Setty portrays these women not as just statistics but as individuals with their own struggles, aspirations and contributions. This humanising approach makes the book more than just an academic critique, it serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of women who significantly contribute to their communities despite facing considerable barriers.

The visual elements of the book, including the evocative black-and-white photographs, enhance its impact by providing a tangible connection to the stories being told. The images capture moments of both work and reflection, helping readers appreciate the real, everyday labour performed by these women. This visual storytelling underscores the book’s central message: that behind every overlooked contribution is a person whose work deserves recognition and respect. While Setty’s book does not offer specific policy recommendations, it effectively prompts readers to question entrenched societal norms and economic assumptions. By raising questions about why certain types of work are valued over others, the book encourages a broader discussion on how to more accurately reflect the value of all forms of labour in economic metrics.

Invisible- Hands of the Indian Economy is a significant and thought-provoking addition to the discourse on gender, economics, and social justice. Setty’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with a critical examination of economic systems makes this book a powerful call to action. It urges readers to acknowledge and value the invisible labour that supports both families and the broader economy. For anyone interested in gender equality, social justice and the future of economic measurement, Setty’s debut is an essential read that promises to challenge and inspire.