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The Paradox of Minimum Wage: Exploring its Effects on the Economic Welfare of Domestic Workers in Zambia

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  • Elizabeth Zyambo

    (Doctoral Student, Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

  • John Moose

    (Manager, Teaching Council of Zambia)

  • Francis Simui

    (Associate Professor, Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

Abstract

This study explored the effects of minimum wage policies on the economic welfare of domestic workers through a hermeneutic phenomenological lens within a qualitative research framework. A total of twenty-two (22) participants were engaged using snowball and criterion-based sampling techniques, revealing a diverse range of perspectives on the effectiveness of minimum wage regulations. The findings uncovered three key insights: (i) Minimum wage policies often fail to enhance the economic welfare of domestic workers due to widespread non-compliance, informal employment arrangements, and weak enforcement mechanisms; (ii) For some domestic workers, the policy has unintended negative consequences as employers respond by reducing wages (if initially above the minimum threshold), cutting working hours, or increasing workload; and (iii) Despite these challenges, minimum wage policies serve as an essential benchmark, facilitating fair compensation discussions and empowering workers in wage negotiations. These findings underscore the complexity of wage regulations in the domestic work sector and highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, enhanced social protection measures and targeted awareness campaigns to ensure that minimum wage policies meaningfully contribute to the economic welfare of domestic workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Zyambo & John Moose & Francis Simui, 2025. "The Paradox of Minimum Wage: Exploring its Effects on the Economic Welfare of Domestic Workers in Zambia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 2955-2967, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:2955-2967
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Asuamah Yeboah, Samuel & James Nyarkoh, Bright, 2023. "The Impact of Minimum Wages on The Ghanaian Economy Since Independence: A Comprehensive Research Review," MPRA Paper 117430, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 27 Apr 2023.
    2. Gudibande, Rohan Ravindra & Jacob, Arun, 2020. "Minimum wages for domestic workers: impact evaluation of the Indian experience," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    3. Alessandra Brito & Miguel Foguel & Celia Kerstenetzky, 2017. "The contribution of minimum wage valorization policy to the decline in household income inequality in Brazil: A decomposition approach," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(4), pages 540-575, October.
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