The psychosocial impact of child domestic work: a study from India and the Philippines

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the effects of domestic employment on the well-being of child domestic workers (CDWs) in India and the Philippines. A questionnaire was administered to 700 CDWs and 700 school-attending controls in the two countries. In India, 36% of CDWs started work before age 12, 48% worked because of poverty or to repay loans, 46% worked >10 h per day, and 31% were physically punished by employers. Filipino CDWs were mainly migrants from rural areas, 47% were working to continue their studies and 87% were attending school, compared with 35% of Indians. In India, 67% of CDWs and 25% of controls scored in the lowest tertile (p<0.001) compared with 36% and 30%, respectively, in the Philippines (p=02). Key signifi cant correlates of low psychosocial scores were non-attendance at school, long working hours, physical punishment, limited support networks and poor health. This study shows that it is not domestic work that is intrinsically harmful, but rather the circumstances and conditions of work, which could be improved through pragmatic regulatory measures.

Child Labor and Its Effects on Schooling, Health and Recreation of Filipino Children

“…The findings of this study support those of previous studies that child labor adversely affects schooling, reduces time for rest and recreation and has harmful effects on children's health especially those who work in hazardous conditions (Hesketh et al, 2012;ILO, UNICEF and World Bank, 2012). Children, in general, devote their time to three kinds of activities: school, work and leisure activity.…”

Is domestic work aworst formof child labour? The findings of a six-country study of the psychosocial effects of child domestic work

“…Children with worse psychosocial scores were more likely to be washing dishes and cleaning than caring, helping with a family business or cooking, suggesting that these latter tasks give more satisfaction or status than cleaning activities. We also found an association between self-reported health and psychosocial wellbeing, suggesting either that the poor self-reported health of child domestic workers may be psychosomatic or that the physical complaints that result from long hours of work also contribute to their psychosocial wellbeing (these associations are reported in full in Hesketh et al 2012). In some cases, living arrangements and health are better than in the child's own home, because this is provided by their employer or simply because they are living in a city where food and health facilities are more easily accessed (Garnier and Benefice 2001).…”

Psychological Health Problems Among Adolescent Workers and Associated Factors in Istanbul, Turkey

“…Support from peer groups also has a strong influence on their psychological development. A significant correlation was found between psychological health and poor support from peers or significant other in their lives in India and Philippines [9] . In addition, family economic conditions have a strong influence on adolescent health [28] .…”

“…For example, in a comparative research project in India and the Philippines on adolescent workers by Hesketh et al. [9] , long working hours as well as lack of support from peers and adults were correlated with low psychosocial scores in both countries. Also, working at a young age, not having a day off, and being subjected to nonverbal punishments such as beatings and witholding food were found to be significantly correlated with low psychosocial development in India.…”