“I Rarely Go Out on Work Days”: Space–Time Constraints and (Im)mobility Experiences Among Indonesian Female Domestic Workers in Hong Kong

Abstract

Female domestic workers (FDWs) experience space–time constraints and mobility challenges corresponding to their demanding daily work responsibilities. Studies have shown that FDWs’ mobility and activities are primarily dictated by their employers through work tasks. It is unclear, though, how FDWs’ activity and mobility patterns outside their employers’ homes are shaped by individual and contextual factors, including government policies that mandate that FDWs be granted a rest day. Using an activity space approach combined with multilevel modeling, I evaluated mobility and activity patterns on work and rest days for a sample of Indonesian FDWs in Hong Kong. Data were collected using innovative online activity diaries and were triangulated with qualitative data from WhatsApp follow-up conversations. This research uncovers that FDWs’ activity patterns differ significantly between work and rest days. FDWs rarely go outside on workdays except to perform work-related tasks. On the rest day, FDWs’ activity spaces are much more expansive as they conduct social and personal activities that are essential for maintaining their well-being. By comparing work and rest days, this research deepens our understanding of geographical, social, and temporal aspects of FDWs’ space–time constraints and (im)mobility experiences that encompass and go beyond employer-assigned tasks. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the benefits of rest day policies for enhancing the visibility of marginalized women in public spaces, particularly in the context of FDWs’ restrictive space–time constraints.