In-Household and Workplace Working Experiences of Housemaids Under Patriarchal Framework in Suburban Areas of Lahore

Abstract

Although countless housemaids work in Pakistan, their working experiences are missing from published literature. Therefore, the present study explores the working experiences of housemaids in suburban areas of Lahore while employing the framework of patriarchy and women's autonomy. The researcher applied exploratory research design in the present study and collected data from 35 housemaids living in suburban areas of Lahore using a semi-structured interview guide as a data collection tool. The findings indicated that housemaids face negative consequences in-house and in the workplace. In the workplace, facing segregation of strict gender roles inside their household and a lack of autonomy and decision-making power despite financial contribution and masculine control over their mobility. They are facing patriarchal norms and values inside their families and facing verbal, physical and sexual bullying, mental health (depression & anxiety) and discrimination at their workplace. Housemaids were facing segregation of strict gender roles inside their household and a lack of autonomy and decision-making power despite financial contribution and masculine control over their mobility.