Domestic Work and Economic Marginality: A Study from Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Domestic work forms a significant part of the informal labor sector in India, employing millions of women who contribute to household functioning and the urban economy. Despite their importance, domestic workers often remain marginalized and excluded from formal labor protections. This study examines the socio-economic conditions of domestic women workers in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu. The research focuses on factors such as educational background, income levels, employment conditions, health status, family structure, and access to welfare schemes. The study adopts a descriptive research design and relies on both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected from domestic women workers through structured questionnaires and interviews conducted across selected regions of Namakkal District. The findings reveal that most domestic women workers belong to economically disadvantaged communities and possess low educational qualifications. Their employment conditions are informal and characterized by long working hours, low wages, and lack of social security benefits. Additionally, the study identifies significant challenges such as health problems, gender discrimination, and limited awareness of government welfare schemes. The research highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, legal protection, and welfare initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of domestic workers. The study contributes to the broader discourse on labor rights and gender inequality in the informal sector.