Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic work in Portugal: education levels and employment relationships

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in domestic work, exposing workers to heightened job insecurity and health risks. This study, conducted under the ‘Magenta’ Project, uses a quantitative methodology based on a survey of 466 domestic workers in Portugal, analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-squared and Student’s t -test), to examine how education level and employment status shaped their experiences during 2021. Findings indicate that workers with lower education levels faced greater job precarity, juggling multiple workplaces and experiencing higher exposure to domestic violence. In contrast, those with higher education levels reported increased fear of infection in workplaces and on public transport. Employment contracts provided financial stability but also led to longer working hours, often against workers’ will. The study further identifies significant associations between employment status and access to COVID-19 testing, workplace safety measures and government support. These results underscore the need for stronger labour protections and social policies to safeguard domestic workers during crises.