Imported Mothers and Subsidized Love: An Analysis of U.S. Labor Policy and Rights for Domestic Workers

• Main Author: Ohia, Emilee
• Other Authors: Yarris, Kristin
• Language: en_US
• Published: University of Oregon 2016
• Subjects: Domestic service; Domestic workers; Immigrant rights; Labor policy; Labor rights; Women's rights
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1794/20497

Over the last several decades, economic and cultural shifts in the United States have created an increasing demand for domestic labor, and data shows that these jobs have largely been filled by women of color, many of whom are immigrants who may or may not have documented legal status. Despite the growing importance of this industry, domestic workers have historically and intentionally been excluded from most federal and state labor rights and regulation, which has resulted in substandard working conditions, exploitation, and abuse for workers in this industry. This research traces the gendered and racialized legislative exclusion, and analyzes recent state efforts to enact policies extending labor rights to domestic workers. It concludes with recommendations for the role of advocacy in pushing for legislative change, and for bridging the gap between policy and enforcement.