Affection, exploitation, and resistance: the daily lives of domestic workers

This article addresses the centrality of domestic and care work, historically viewed as "non-productive," but essential to the economy and the reproduction of life. In Brazil, there are 6.4 million domestic workers; 93.5% of them are women, the majority of whom are Black, poor, and with little education. In Ouro Fino and Inconfidentes, in the state of Minas Gerais, the authors listened to 18 daily and monthly workers who described their routines marked by multiple shifts between family homes, the fields, crocheting, and odd jobs.

The interviews reveal an early start to work, often in childhood, a predominant informality, and an overburden that extends from employment to their own homes. Despite legal advances, such as the PEC das Domésticas (2013) and Complementary Law No. 150 (2015), the sector still suffers from low wages, the absence of clear contracts, and emotional exploitation.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequalities: some were laid off, others saw their workloads intensified without guarantees of protection. Affection, cited as part of everyday work, does not eliminate the hierarchy between employers and employees, which is often marked by racism and sexism.

The women interviewed report long commutes, exhaustion, and lack of time for study, leisure, and political participation. Even so, they express a desire to study, undertake a business, and retire. The study concludes that domestic work is the "stitching" that sustains daily life and the economy, yet it remains invisible, precarious, and undervalued.

Shall we have this debate? Here is the link to the full article, so you can download and read it.