An Assessment of the Effects of Domestic Workers on Family Stability as an Incentive to Development in Kimanya-Kyabakuza Division Case Study: Selected Households in Old Kumbu and Kijjabwemivillages

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of domestic workers on family stability as an incentive to development in Old Kumbu and Kijjabwemi villages, in Masaka Municipality. It specifically sought to establish the ways in which domestic workers affect family stability; assess specific ways in which family stability or instability caused by domestic workers affects development; and establish viable ways for mitigating family instability caused by domestic workers and hence regulate its effects on development in Old Kumbu and Kijjabwemi villages. Family stability was looked at and treated in this study as an incentive to development, lack of which holds great potential to negatively affect development.

The study used a case study design with qualitative approach. The study population involved household heads who employ domestic workers, domestic workers, and local government officers. Data was collected using interviews. In data analysis, thematic analysis, content analysis and narrative analysis was used to summarise and analyse key themes, words, phrases and sentences according to the study specific objectives.

Study findings revealed domestic workers as a source of instability that comes in when they perceive the work they are required to perform as repressive to them, and they start doing things contrary to what they are supposed to do. This has been reflected in harassing children when parents are not around, which aspect may result into sickness of children a key issue in affecting family stability. The existence of domestic workers in families has left serious negative consequences to some families leading to marital break downs especially in incidents where there has been evidence of adultery. On a positive note, domestic workers have helped in doing house chores which gives the family heads space to concentrate on other businesses important for developing the family. It has helped children to learn new domestic chores, led to proper allocation of resources in terms of time and other key resources in the home, which in some respects has significantly contributed to development of households and the domestic workers.

A lot of effort still needs to be done to ensure that there is family stability and so as to enhance to family development. Majority of domestic workers interviewed suggested that to achieve family stability, employers must ensure mutual respect for domestic workers, improve on the pay of employees and as well as pay them in time, give them good health care with reduced work appropriate for them. All these efforts will make these household employees to feel appreciated and be able to perform as expected and contribute to family stability and development

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