A researcher on poverty and development and a professor at Yale, Chris Blattman is the man behind a terrific blog that focuses on the political, economic, and cultural goings-on in the poorest countries in the world.
Yesterday, Chris tackled an interesting ethical question from a reader: What are the ethical implications of Westerners who are living in a poor African country hiring domestic help? Are there negative culture or economic implications to employing locals to work around the house, and doesn’t it seem a tad “imperialistic” or exploitative?
Chris’ answer, sensible as always, is a resounding NO! Says Chris: “In my experience, the local job options are nasty, brutish and short. The chance to work indoors, at relatively light labor (cleaning, washing, guarding) is highly sought after.”
Exactly right. My advice on the matter would be this: If you view your household workers as essentially “servants,” you’ll probably feel as if you’re simply exploiting them for cheap labor. And if you treat them like servants, maybe you should. But a more sensible approach is to think of them as employees– which is exactly what they are. You’re paying them to provide a service, and more than likely, they are no less than thrilled to be in your employ. Treat them like employees– or better– and there’s nothing to worry about.
Rather than be paralyzed by guilt, splitting hairs over whether this is properly called employment or exploitation, put yourself in the position of your would-be worker. Now, do you want the wealthy Westerners to hire you, or don’t you?
Chris adds that “the bias against hiring help seems to be peculiarly Western. Why is that? Perhaps because the wage paid to domestic servants in the U.S. and Europe is often below the average unskilled wage. Not so in many poorer countries.”
Finally, not only is it permissible to hire help if you’re relatively wealthy, you may well be obligated: “What’s more, in most places I have worked, the wealthy (especially Westerners) are expected to hire help, principally as a means to share wealth. To not hire help is at best odd and at worst improper. Help often become part of the family circle, and employers may help them with children’s school fees, emergency loans, and health problems.”