PhD research humanises domestic work and redefines its societal value

Ntini-Makununika offered an example. “Some employers clearly stated for themselves ‘I start work at 7.30am and finish at 4pm’, but were vague or dismissive when asked about their workers’ hours. It signalled a devaluation of their employees’ time,” she said.

Domestic workers often branded themselves as powerless, internalising marginalisation.

“However, through dialogue, many began recognising their agency, from subtle boundary-setting to overt acts of defiance. Employers, too, revealed moments of vulnerability and moved towards mutual understanding. The binary of ‘powerful employer’ versus ‘powerless worker’ started to unravel,” she said.

Her research also comes from a place of lived experience.

“I was raised by black African women who survived through domestic work. For seven years, from 13 years old, I worked part-time for white families and in holiday resorts. I experienced first-hand the quiet suffering, the layered dignity and the complex dependencies in the relationships,” she said.

Through her research, Ntini-Makununika aimed to humanise domestic work, redefine its societal value and inspire reflection and action.

“It’s a call to reconsider whose labour we honour, whose voices we centre and what justice truly looks like.