Expectations versus reality: The well‐being of female migrant workers in garment factories in Myanmar

Abstract

This article examines how material and non‐material well‐being is under‐stood and experienced by female migrant workers in unskilled labour‐intensive industries. It follows the capability approach pioneered by Amartya Sen, arguing that a lack of self‐ and collective empowerment can undermine economic, social and psychological well‐being. Data drawn from a survey of a cross section of 249 female migrant workers in garment factories in Myanmar support this theory. In the light of the country's economic and social transitions, its asymmetric labour market and its underdeveloped social security system, the author suggests that labour policies should embrace and empower the most vulnerable groups of workers.