Psychosocial Stressor and Coping Mechanism among Female Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Post-economic liberalization in Bangladesh after 1975 led to the emergence of an export-oriented Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry, predominantly employing women. This paper analyzes the stressors faced by these workers and their coping mechanisms from a mental health perspective, utilizing Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model. Departing from existing research that often adopts a clinical lens, this study takes a holistic approach to explore the multifaceted mental health challenges encountered by female RMG workers, situating them within the broader socioeconomic and structural context of the industry. The study identifies and examines a range of stressors inherent to the RMG work environment, including exploitative labor practices, precarious employment conditions, social stigma, and familial pressures. Furthermore, it investigates the diverse coping mechanisms adopted by women workers, encompass individual resilience strategies and collective solidarity initiatives within their communities and workplaces. In contrast to conventional paradigms, this research emphasizes the need to consider the mental health of workers not only at an individual level but also in relation to its interconnections with broader socioeconomic determinants that shape their well being. By situating mental health within the nexus of globalization, labor market dynamics, and gendered power structures, the findings provide critical insights into the nuanced complexities of mental health challenges faced by the women. The implications of this research extend beyond academic discourse, offering significant relevance for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders engaged in social and economic development, public health interventions, and labor rights advocacy. The study underscores the imperative of adopting a holistic approach to address the mental health needs of marginalized communities in the garment industry and beyond, and offers actionable insights to inform evidence-based policy interventions and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting mental health resilience and socioeconomic empowerment among working women.