Such is the plight of India's Anganwadi workers, a low-caste disadvantaged group of workers that assists poor mothers and children with health and nutrition needs. After working more than eight hours a day, total earned wages keep them well below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Their persistent demands for higher wages, job security, and social security have yet to be met by the Indian government. The key to obtaining these protections, the workers argue, is to be recognized as government employees instead of part-time workers.

India's Anganwadi are not alone. In the current era of globalization disadvantaged groups of workers receive minimal or no protection against market risk. Examples from around the world attest to the near-universal tenuous position of marginal workers. The Korea Herald reports that approximately 70 percent of non-standard South Korean workers receive no social insurance, as compared to 1.7 percent for standard workers. Brazilian legislation that provides social insurance and job dismissal protection exempts at least 40 million informal workers, including domestic workers, shoemakers, garment workers, and slum dwellers. These workers have begun clamoring for the same rights to unemployment insurance, maternity leave, paid holidays, and other benefits long afforded other working Brazilians. Half a world away, thousands of Bangladeshi textile workers have taken to the streets with similar demands.