Invisible Workers A Case Study of Unpaid Female Family Helpers in District Lahore
Author: Neha Riaz Khan

Work, time investment and skills utilization are usually rewarded through money or different types of life securities. Although, there are workers who do not claim any direct payment for their work such as unpaid family helpers. These unpaid family helpers work in small scale set-ups operating at their homes and do not get compensated in cash or kind for their work. The present study focuses on measuring socioeconomic value of work performed by these workers. It estimates their contribution in annual household income and their involvement in household decision making and spending. Primary data has been collected from a sample of 200 respondents. It employed time use survey as a technique which is internationally known for measurement of unpaid work. The study used specialist cost approach for estimating the percentage proportion of household income that comes from the work of unpaid female family helpers. A closer look at time use statistics reveal the reasons behind this phenomenon. Unpaid family helpers are involved in activities similar to household activities; these activities are primarily considered to be women-specific activities in Asian countries. These activities include crafts production, agricultural activities, and livestock management at home. The study conclude that the income contribution of UPFFHs’ is not negligible to be all ignored. Therefore policy makers must recognize the importance of UPFFHs’ in household economy. The term used for unpaid female family helpers is discriminatory in itself, the prefix ‘unpaid’ used for such workers should be replaced with some decent alternative. Unpaid family helpers is a status of employment therefore they should be admired by labor force survey. Supervisor:- Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Arif

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Keywords : Case Study, LAHORE, Unpaid Female Family Helpers, Workers
Supervisor: Ghulam Muhammad Arif

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