‘Maids are Stressful but Indispensable’ : Experiences of Employers of Domestic Workers

Abstract

The study explores career women’s experiences and seeks to understand their predicament in their daily interactions with domestic workers. It also highlights the tensions between employers and employees, given that they belong to different economic worlds. Domestic workers have a high turnover which frustrates their employers, who then find it difficult to increase wages to acceptable rates beyond the stated amounts. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 14 employers of domestic workers, this qualitative study explores the experiences of these employers utilising the National University of Lesotho as the research site. The study confirmed the interdependence of employers and domestic workers. The study also unearthed that the employment relationship between employers and domestic workers is complex and often crammed with mistrust, ill-treatment, and stress, but also relief and support. There is a need for the Lesotho government to monitor domestic work policies to avoid exploitation and abuse, which prevail in the interrelationship of employers and employees in this sector.