The Social and Cultural Implications of Domestic Labor on the Family in Libyan Society: The City of Sabha as a Case Study

Abstract

This research paper examines the social and cultural implications of domestic labor on the family within Libyan society, focusing on the city of Sabha as a specific case study. The study aims to analyze this phenomenon through a sociological lens, exploring the primary factors contributing to its spread and its direct impact on family structure and traditional roles. The researcher adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on a library-based study that interprets the phenomenon in light of social role theory and relevant sociological literature. The findings indicate that domestic labor is a prominent manifestation of social change in Libya, resulting from shifts in economic patterns and the increased participation of women in the labor market. One of the most significant social implications identified is the redistribution of family roles, where functions traditionally performed by the mother—such as childcare, daily upbringing, and behavioral monitoring—are shifted to domestic workers. This shift often leads to "role strain" and a decline in direct interaction between parents and children. Culturally, the study reveals that the presence of foreign domestic labor affects the linguistic and behavioral identity of children, leading to the acquisition of values that may not align with the prevailing customs of Libyan society. The impact varies depending on the family's level of awareness; families that maintain their educational role mitigate negative effects, while those with total dependence face a crisis in social upbringing. The paper concludes with several recommendations, most notably the need to enhance the educational awareness of Libyan families and to regulate the relationship with domestic labor to ensure the preservation of local social values.