Untangling the Web of Loss: An Insight Into Experiences of Live-in Girl Child Domestic Workers in Lahore

Abstract

This study uses Rebecca Elliot's theory of Sociology of loss to examine the challenges faced by the young female live-in domestic workers in Pakistani homes. A substantial number of children, including majority of girls, are hired to do domestic work despite being against the law. Qualitative research was carried out to investigate the Elliot's framework comprises four interrelated dimensions of loss: the materiality of loss; politics of loss; knowledge of loss; and practices of loss. Data was collected from 21 young girls over in-depth interviews using open-ended questions. The data were analyzed through the thematic analysis technique. The results show that participants experienced a range of losses with multiple emotional, social, and physical implications for the study participants. Our study highlights the underrepresented voices of marginalized young girls and advances scholarly discussions on the many facets of loss, social inequality, gender, and child labor. This paper provides both theoretical & practical understanding & contribute to understanding and policy development for Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, which aims to end child labor in all of its forms, & actively works to attain SDGs related to education and health.