Work, Poverty, and Survival: Socioeconomic Realities of the Brick-Kiln Workers in District Chakwal

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of brick-kiln workers in District Chakwal to understand the complex interplay of labor, poverty, and survival within the informal brick-making sector. Framed within a constructivist ontological perspective, the research recognized reality as socially constructed and context-dependent, shaped by historical, cultural, and economic forces. Epistemologically, the study adopted an interpretivist stance, emphasizing the importance of subjective meanings and the co-construction of knowledge between researchers and participants. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected  from twelve respondents through semi-structured interviews with male and female kiln workers, including seasonal migrants and bonded laborers. The research reveals how poverty compels entire families, including women and children, to engage in this informal sector, perpetuating cycles of deprivation and limited access to education, healthcare, and basic living amenities. The absence of formal labor rights exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation and poor health outcomes. Participants' accounts highlighted not only economic marginalization but also the lack of access to basic services and legal protection. The study contributes to the understanding of labor relations in informal economies by emphasizing the voices of those often excluded from policy discourse.