Our lives have two separate distinctive aspects. One is the material aspect; the other is the less tangible non - material aspect. The material aspect is taken care of through income. A steady flow of money allows us to buy the material things and derive satisfaction from the same. For e.g., income shall allow us to buy or rent a house which can provide us with shelter against the elements. The non-material aspect is not so easily gained. For e.g., one can desire to be healthy and put in money to achieve the goal. But without proper exercise and clean living, it cannot be achieved.
The non – material aspect cannot often be measured in absolute terms. Money can buy us a good education, but without effort and diligence on our part, the good education cannot give us the benefits. There are several non – material aspects in our lives. They include health, education, job security, participation in the political decision-making process, reduced discrimination, etc. For e.g., an out of town job can provide a better salary. But it may not provide the security along with the benefits one can gain while working in one’s hometown.
For women, they further include things like empowerment, reduced gender disparity, increased dignity, safe and secure social environment. For e.g., women should be respected not only when they work outside the house, but also for the housework they do.
Thus, at an individual level, income is an important aspect in our lives. But individuals also make decisions based on other non-income aspects as it affects their lives as a whole.
