Manifestations and causes of domestic servitude 2010, para. 19
Paragraph
Paragraph text
There is a misperception that domestic work is unskilled work or does not constitute work at all; just like women's unpaid work in the family is undervalued. The relationship between domestic worker and employer is mistakenly perceived as status-based, with a superior master commanding an inferior servant, rather than a contractual arrangement between parties with mutual rights and obligations. In a modern variant of this perception problem, domestic workers are regarded as "members of the family". Depending on the will of the employer, this can mean very favourable treatment or intolerable encroachment on their personal space and liberties.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences