Domestic Service Transformation in India: Digital Integration, Economic Mobility, and Social Dynamics in the Informal Maid Service Sector

Abstract

This article examines the evolving landscape of domestic service employment in India, with particular emphasis on the economic and social dimensions of this significant informal sector. Drawing on contemporary research and analysis, it investigates how digital platforms are reshaping traditional employer-employee relationships, creating new economic opportunities while simultaneously reinforcing existing social stratifications. The study explores how approximately 4.2 million domestic workers navigate complex socioeconomic realities in urban India, where labor market segmentation contributes to persistent inequality despite growing demand for household services. The research reveals a gradual but uneven transition toward formalization, with digital intermediation platforms showing promise for enhancing worker protections and economic mobility while raising questions about accessibility and inclusion. By analyzing wage determinants, migration patterns, and regulatory frameworks, the article offers insights into both the transformative potential and persistent challenges facing domestic workers in India's rapidly changing urban economies. The findings suggest that while technological integration creates pathways for economic advancement, meaningful improvement in sector outcomes requires complementary policy interventions addressing underlying social dynamics and power imbalances.