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Between coping and resistance: Migrant networks and alternative forms of collectivism

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Friis Hau

    (Department of Sociology, FAOS, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Andrea Borello

    (Department of Sociology and Social Work, Aalborg University, Denmark)

Abstract

The literature on migrant workers generally indicates limited worker collectivism. Based on a comparative study of two Danish platform companies, however, this article shows how digital migrant networks are a crucial social infrastructure in precarious working environments. Using a novel conceptual framework that differentiates between collective strategies of coping and resistance, we show that collective resistance can spring from migrant networks. This foregrounds an understanding of how collectivism underpinned by strong migrant networks can wax and wane, which broadens our understanding of collectivism as a dynamic practice. The study’s findings underscore the importance of political networks as a foundation for strategies of resistance, the value of network embeddedness, and the effects of particular migrant and employment characteristics on collective strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Friis Hau & Andrea Borello, 2024. "Between coping and resistance: Migrant networks and alternative forms of collectivism," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(4), pages 1067-1089, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:45:y:2024:i:4:p:1067-1089
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X231216001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Charlotte Hooper Overgaard & Laust Høgedahl, 2026. "Employer strategies for undermining migrants’ power resources: Evidence from the Danish construction sector," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 78-96, February.

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