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Intersectionality, identity work and migrant progression from low‐paid work: A critical realist approach

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  • Gina Netto
  • Mike Noon
  • Maria Hudson
  • Nicolina Kamenou‐Aigbekaen
  • Filip Sosenko

Abstract

This article contributes to developing intersectionality theory by deepening understanding of how patriarchy and racism interact with other structural factors to influence low‐paid migrants’ progression attempts. Using a critical realist approach and analysing interviews of 31 female and male migrants employed in five large organizations in Scotland and England, we reveal how major structural factors influence their main forms of identity work and the resources that they draw on in both the workplace and home. The feminist approach undertaken by this study makes significant advances to organizational intersectional theory in three ways. Firstly, it highlights the importance of examining the interaction of the influence of patriarchy within the home with racism and other structuring forces within the workplace. Secondly, it reveals how combinations of constraints and enablements that intersect with gendered and racialized identity work create formidable barriers to progression. Thirdly, it explores migrants’ differential access to diverse resources, including financial, social, discursive and psychological resources in both spheres over time. These findings reinforce the need for policy actions that recognize the interaction of structural factors which influence female and male migrant progression and the need for support within and beyond the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Gina Netto & Mike Noon & Maria Hudson & Nicolina Kamenou‐Aigbekaen & Filip Sosenko, 2020. "Intersectionality, identity work and migrant progression from low‐paid work: A critical realist approach," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1020-1039, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:27:y:2020:i:6:p:1020-1039
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jenny Rodriguez & Evangelina Holvino & Joyce K. Fletcher & Stella M. Nkomo & Doyin Atewologun & Ruth Sealy & Susan Vinnicombe, 2016. "Revealing Intersectional Dynamics in Organizations: Introducing ‘Intersectional Identity Work’," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 223-247, May.
    2. Ossenkop, Carolin & Vinkenburg, Claartje J. & Jansen, Paul G.W. & Ghorashi, Halleh, 2015. "Ethnic identity positioning at work: Understanding professional career experiences," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 515-525.
    3. Jenny Rodriguez & Evangelina Holvino & Joyce K. Fletcher & Stella M. Nkomo & Nasima Mohamed Hoosen Carrim & Stella M. Nkomo, 2016. "Wedding Intersectionality Theory and Identity Work in Organizations: South African Indian Women Negotiating Managerial Identity," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 261-277, May.
    4. Mats Alvesson & Hugh Willmott, 2002. "Identity Regulation as Organizational Control: Producing the Appropriate Individual," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(5), pages 619-644, July.
    5. Jenny Rodriguez & Evangelina Holvino & Joyce K. Fletcher & Stella M. Nkomo & Jenny K. Rodriguez & Evangelina Holvino & Joyce K. Fletcher & Stella M. Nkomo, 2016. "The Theory and Praxis of Intersectionality in Work and Organisations: Where Do We Go From Here?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 201-222, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nkechinyelu Ann Edeh & Sarah Riley & Patrizia Kokot‐Blamey, 2022. "The production of difference and “becoming Black”: The experiences of female Nigerian doctors and nurses working in the National Health Service," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 520-535, March.
    2. Lugosi, Peter & Ndiuini, Ann, 2022. "Migrant mobility and value creation in hospitality labour," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    3. Eleni Damianidou & Andri Georgiadou, 2021. "“LOOK at YOU!”: Disembodiment between ugly bodies and able minds," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(5), pages 1823-1839, September.

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