Agarwal (1997) argues that gender norms often prevent women from acting overtly in dieir own self-interest, and this may result in the appearance of compliance. Mabsout and Van Staveren (2010) point out that women's ability to exercise dieir bargaining power derived from earnings are affected by social norms and inequalities in markets including labour market as well as state support or actions (or lack thereof). However, only a few studies have examined the factors affecting women's role as household managers and care providers using household and other surveys.