In this book, by conceptualizing transformational mobility (TM) as capability, I have unravelled the linkages between mobility and autonomy of women in the context of informal work. Though mobility as capability has been acknowledged by scholars in the lists of capabilities (Robeyns, 2003; Nussbaum, 2005), not much in-depth research has been done to analyse its multiple domains in the context of gender. The studies in the areas of gender–mobility–capability can have important consequences for research in gender and justice which can help in analysing issues of social exclusion, gender discrimination, and inequalities (Kronlid, 2006) that persist in developing economies. My re-conceptualization of mobility (TM) as capability by operationalizing the capability approach (CA) has recognized work mobility as a ‘functioning’ for women, which is a survival necessity for poor informal workers. It is only TM which is a ‘capability’ that enhances the opportunities and improves the well-being freedoms of women workers. Paid work outside the household does not necessarily improve the overall mobility and autonomy of women workers.

I have adopted CA not in an atomistic or individualistic manner in analysing women workers but rather to analyse their mobility and autonomy in a relational sense given the cultural context of Kerala. I have captured the domains of gendered mobility as experienced by women in the sociocultural context of India, which reflects ‘bounded capabilities’, that is, capability bounded by social norms and patriarchal authority. By using the mobility ladder and examining the social, spatial mobility of women workers to reach TM as capability, I have brought forth the intrinsic importance of mobility for women and how patriarchal structures can dominate the mobility spaces of women. To view ‘development as freedom’ (Sen, 1999), it is important to recognize the value of TM of women workers, which enhances the freedoms and choices for women within the household and which can lead to autonomy and agency outside the household. Though paid work can be said to improve agency (Sen, 1999), the situation of informal women workers in paid work in fisheries demonstrates that the associated mobility is ‘bounded capability’ in the context of low paid informal work which does not necessarily promote agency.