This book investigates the profound impact of China's economic reforms on the lives of domestic workers and the nature of paid domestic labor. The author, Xinying Hu, employs a socialist feminist framework to analyze how China's economic restructuring has intentionally created a domestic service sector. The work examines the ideological justifications for state support of paid domestic labor within a market economy, highlighting the state's significant role in these shifts and the intrinsic connection between domestic work, economic changes, and the market itself. Ultimately, the book posits that these economic reforms have fundamentally altered gender and class relations within Chinese society.

Based on its detailed analysis and empirical data, this book is likely regarded as a significant contribution to the study of labor, gender, and economic transformation in China. The author's socialist feminist approach provides a critical lens through which to understand the social and economic consequences of market reforms. The reliance on interviews with domestic workers, employers, advocates, and officials suggests a well-rounded and grounded perspective on the issues. The work aims to inform public policy by shedding light on the precarious conditions faced by domestic workers and exploring avenues for improvement through activism and organized labor.