An Australian woman living in India has sparked a debate online after she shared her observations on the reliance on domestic workers

Bree Steele, a podcast producer from Australia, recently went viral on Instagram for her video discussing the stark cultural differences she has noticed between life in India and the West regarding household chores. Since moving to India in 2023, Steele pointed out that the majority of middle-class to wealthy households in India employ domestic workers, allowing them to outsource tasks such as cooking and cleaning. This reality contrasts sharply with Western norms, where most individuals manage household chores alongside full-time work responsibilities. In her video, Steele acknowledged the significant differences in work-life balance, suggesting that the expectation on Indian corporate workers is extraordinarily high, often resulting in late-night work calls, which she attributes to the tough demands of corporate life in India. She expressed that this busy lifestyle creates a reliance on domestic help, simply because many do not have the time to manage these tasks themselves. Steele's candid comments also brought forth her feelings of guilt regarding her newfound convenience of not having to handle household chores, reflecting on her shame at enjoying the benefits of inexpensive labor. The video has evoked a plethora of reactions on social media. Many users shared their personal stories and perspectives regarding the expectations and realities of work-life balance in India compared to Western countries. Some users pointed out that the ease of hiring domestic help in India is a product of the country's economic disparity and that factors such as affordable living make this arrangement feasible. On the opposing side, some commenters highlighted that people in the West often rely on convenience foods, suggesting that the quality and preparation of cooking in India are labor-intensive endeavors. They argued that while domestic help might reduce physical labor, it can still be financially accessible because of the country's lower cost of living. Steele's observations have sparked necessary discussions around cultural expectations, economic status, and the work ethic in India and the West. This ongoing conversation reflects broader social issues and norms associated with class, labor, and cultural values around work and home life. Many are questioning whether the glorification of cheaper domestic help benefits Indian society or perpetuates cycles of economic inequality and labor exploitation.