Economic Vulnerability of the Underprivileged during the COVID Pandemic: The Case of Bangladeshi Domestic Workers

Abstract

The current pandemic has substantially affected workers in the informal economy in Bangladesh. Most of the underprivileged groups of people engaged in the informal economy have been going through tremendous economic vulnerabilities during this pandemic. Among them, domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable groups of people who live on the margins. Hence, this study examines the degree of vulnerability domestic workers have experienced amid this challenging time. To assess the key vulnerabilities, seven live-out and two live-in workers from the capital city’s Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Malibagh, and the Korail areas were interviewed. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews using multiple open-ended questions. The respondents reported loss of employment, loss of income, food shortages, inability to pay rent, and inadequate social security coverage as the critical vulnerabilities. The findings of our paper can be used by policymakers and employers to address the serious problems the Bangladeshi domestic workers have been facing. Since no prior study has been undertaken to analyze the vulnerability during a pandemic in the Bangladeshi context, this research will have significant theoretical and policy implications. Further research can be undertaken incorporating larger sample size and other factors concerning COVID-induced economic vulnerability of Bangladeshi domestic workers.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• vulnerability
• domestic workers
• underprivileged
• informal economy workers

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public or commercial agency.