Inadequate legal protection for domestic workers: a key factor contributing to the underdeveloped domestic service industry in China

Abstract

The domestic service industry in China is important to the development of Chinese society. It has the potential to promote the development of the economy, optimise the country’s industrial structure, and relieve unemployment pressure in China. However, significant problems, including the lack of effective regulation of domestic service companies by public authorities, the prevalence of bias against domestic workers, the lack of trust between domestic workers and homeowners, and the shortage of highly skilled workers, have hindered the development of the domestic service industry. This article argues that a critical reason for the prevalence of these problems is the non-existent or insufficient legal protection for domestic workers in the labour market. Therefore, empowering these workers with legal protection is likely not only to contribute to the improvement of their standard of living but also to facilitate the function of the domestic service industry in the development of Chinese society generally.