Child Slaves in the Modern World

10: “This Is Nothing But Slavery”: Child Domestic Labor in the Modern Context

193 10 “this is nothing but slavery” Child Domestic Labor in the Modern Context jonathan blagbrough Child domestic labor, one of the most universal and exploitative forms of child work, is also one of the most difficult to regulate. Child domestic workers are hard to reach, not only because they work behind the closed doors of their employers’ homes but also because society sees the practice as normal and—at least for girls—important training for later life. While attention to the situation of child domestic workers has grown considerably in recent years, the general focus of concern continues to be on those aspects of their working conditions that are easier to see and measure, such as the tasks they do and the number of hours they work, and less on the contractual basis that underlies their situation. However, recognizing how children become and remain domestic workers is essential to better understanding both how abuse of them arises, and their needs.1 who are child domestic workers? Child domestic workers are persons under eighteen years of age who work in other people’s households, performing a variety of tasks, including domestic chores, caring for their employer’s children, tending the garden, running errands , and helping their employers run small businesses. Their conditions of work vary: some “live in,” others live separately from their employers; some are paid for their work, many work purely in exchange for their food, shelter, and care. Excluded from consideration as domestic workers are the numerous children who carry significant workloads in their own homes and who often face issues similar to those of child domestic workers. 194 jonathan blagbrough Although globally there are millions of child domestic workers,2 they remain largely invisible, economically and socially marginalized. This is in part due to the conventional belief that domestic work is a safe form of employment —although in reality child domestic workers are routinely subject to abuse. It is also invisible because as many child domestics work for a relative as for a stranger. This significantly complicates the employee-employer relationship, for in these situations the child labors but is not considered a worker; and he or she lives as part of the family but is not treated like a family member. The age at which child domestic workers typically begin work is dictated mostly by economic need or tradition. Interviews conducted in 2004 with child domestic workers in eight countries indicated that most children had begun to work by the age of twelve, and in some countries much earlier. In Haiti, for example, where domestic service remains a customary part of upbringing for children from poorer families, children are routinely sent into service from the age of five.3 Child domestic workers are predominantly girls. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are more girls under the age of sixteen in domestic service than in any other form of work. However, significant numbers of prepubescent and older boys are also engaged as domestic workers. how and why do children become domestic workers? Children become domestic workers primarily because of poverty, but also because the practice is seen as normal and, indeed, beneficial for girls, who will one day become wives and mothers. Powerful and enduring myths surround the practice, which encourages its continuance. Parents believe, for example, that a daughter working for a wealthier family might bring opportunities both for her and her family. In many regions, social restrictions on girls mean that domestic work is one of the few types of employment considered appropriate. It is also widely accepted that domestic work is less arduous than other kinds of labor and that work in the home offers a protective environment for girls and young children. Employers of child domestic workers consider that, far from exploiting, they are helping the child and her family by taking her in. In many cases employers believe that they are treating these children as part of the family. Girls themselves will also enter domestic service of their own volition, to escape poverty at home, contribute to family earnings, or advance their chances of continuing their education. Interviews with child domestic workers reveal multiple ways in which they can be pushed and pulled into domestic service.4 The need to sustain themselves and their families because of poverty is commonly why children child domestic labor in the modern context 195 enter domestic service. In India a number...