Behind closed doors: Public and private views on child domestic work in urban Myanmar

Abstract

Background

There has been little evidence on how public perceptions of child domestic work influence work conditions, employment and living arrangements for young workers.

Objective

This study in urban Myanmar explores public views and attitudes on child domestic work to consider the implicit and explicit work arrangements between households and child domestic workers.

Participants and Setting

We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 1072 adult participants from Yangon and Mandalay urban townships.

Methods

We analysed attitudes estimates toward child domestic work among different subgroups. We conducted bivariable and multivariable regressions to examine factors associated with perceptions about responsibilities of host households towards child domestic workers in urban Myanmar.

Results

Sixty per cent of study participants reported knowing households with child domestic workers. When asked about working conditions, most participants stated that they themselves endorsed aspects of safe, decent work and young workers’ engagement in education and training, but suggested that community beliefs are much less liberal. Many participants believed that child domestic workers are subjected to harmful conditions, including that these children are not likely to participate in educational activities, receive holiday breaks, or have their safety and well-being prioritized. These beliefs were associated with: older age (≥30 years), being female, belonging to the host household, having awareness of child domestic work, having higher education, and having a lower household income.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the need to promote child-centred work and private work arrangements, combined with interventions that foster the safety, well-being and promising futures for youth in domestic work situations.