Skip to main content
Article
Intersectionality, identity work and migrant progression from low-paid work: A critical realist approach
Gender, Work and Organization
  • Gina Netto, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
  • Mike Noon, Queen Mary University of London
  • Maria Hudson, Essex Business School
  • Nicolina Kamenou-Aigbekaen, Zayed University
  • Filip Sosenko, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
ORCID Identifiers

0000-0002-7552-5683

Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Abstract

© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd 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.

Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Disciplines
Keywords
  • agency,
  • ethnicity,
  • gender,
  • identity work,
  • intersectionality,
  • low-paid work,
  • migrants,
  • patriarchy,
  • progression,
  • racism,
  • structure
Scopus ID
85081614387
Indexed in Scopus
Yes
Open Access
No
https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12437
Citation Information
Gina Netto, Mike Noon, Maria Hudson, Nicolina Kamenou-Aigbekaen, et al.. "Intersectionality, identity work and migrant progression from low-paid work: A critical realist approach" Gender, Work and Organization Vol. 27 Iss. 6 (2020) p. 1020 - 1039 ISSN: <a href="https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/issn/0968-6673" target="_blank">0968-6673</a>
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nicolina-kamenou/1/