This paper explores the life experiences of women at-home workers in North America and disaggregates this population to create a better understanding of the differences and simi larities between different employment categories. While clearly industrial homeworkers (such as industrial homesewers) are the most vulnerable to exploitation and substandard working conditions because of their low income and often ethnic minority status, even teleworkers (workers who communicate electronically with their main office) are suscep tible to becoming marginalized if a change in their work venue is followed by a change in work status. Strategies for intervention include community economic development in itiatives such as neighborhood work centers and homeworker centers where there would be opportunities to share resources, learn skills and offer support and empowerment for collective action.
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