Unravelling the Consumption Field of Home: An Exploration of Habitus and Social Dynamics Between Female Domestic Workers and Homeowners

This research delves into the intricate dynamics between female domestic workers (DW) and employers within the domestic sphere, examining the impact of homeowners’ embedded practices and consumption patterns, shaped by their habitus and lifestyle, on female DW’s self-perception, consumer agency, and socialization. Female DW navigate a multifaceted world, balancing limited agency with muted resistance within the intertwined and often power-imbalanced space of the home. Despite financial constraints, they demonstrate agency constrained by circumstances through muted resistance against excessive consumption, prioritizing values like health and personal well-being. They engage in boundary work, positioning themselves as morally superior through responsible spending and personal values. By advocating for fair compensation and recognition, female DW challenge traditional power dynamics. While exposed to diverse lifestyles, their core values remain firm. Through secondary socialization, they acquire new knowledge while adapting it to their resources and personal values, showcasing adaptability. Paradoxically, they also contribute to their employers’ social standing, acting as status symbols.