maids

A maid is a person employed in a private household to perform routine domestic tasks. The term is gendered and often used for a female worker; non-gendered terms such as domestic worker or housekeeper are also used. Maids may be hired directly by households or through agencies and may work as live-in or live-out staff. In hotels and other facilities, similar positions are described as chambermaids or housekeepers.

Duties vary by employer but commonly include cleaning, laundry, ironing, cooking, dishwashing, shopping, and general tidying. Additional tasks may include childcare, elder care, pet care, and running errands. The role often requires attention to privacy, discretion, and safety.

History and context: Domestic service has long existed in many societies, with maids traditionally playing a central role in middle- and upper-class households. The work was often performed by women and girls and could be paid lower wages or supplemented by room and board. In the 19th and 20th centuries, labor laws and social reforms gradually improved protections in many countries, though coverage remains uneven. In modern economies, domestic work is a substantial sector, including migrant workers in many regions.

Working conditions and rights: Wages, hours, and conditions vary widely. Some jurisdictions guarantee minimum wage, limits on hours, rest days, and written contracts; others offer fewer protections. Domestic workers may face vulnerabilities such as underpayment, confinement, or lack of access to standard labor protections. International standards, such as the ILO's Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189), advocate for decent work and protections for these workers, though not all countries have ratified or implemented it.

Training and sources: Training ranges from informal on-the-job learning to formal courses in cleaning methods, safety, and household management. Employment through agencies or direct hiring is common; language skills, cultural expectations, and discretion are often valued.