engleski

Bi-local labouring of women: low-skilled circular labour migration as employment strategy

Employment options for women are mitigated by their gender roles, placing them in work positions that often mimic their traditional family obligations. Domestic or international service and low-skilled labour are typical employment niche for women, even more occupied during strained domestic economic situations. Women participate in circular labour migrations to fulfil their re/productive roles and responsibilities (Morokvašić-Müller, 2002). The aim of this paper is to present research findings of experience of low-skilled circular labour migration of women. Twenty-three narrative interviews were conducted with women from the economically stagnant Croatian region of Slavonija who circulate for employment in care work, agriculture, and tourist industry to (and back from) the neighbouring countries. The results shed light on reasons for migrating, employment conditions and work experiences in the sectors, everyday life, and transnational bi- local living. The analysis indicates a variety of migrants’ practices, contingent on their life- course and marital and family situation. Organizing their lives transnationally is more accessible and less precarious than gaining employment in their home region. Not only does work abroad enables or extends their workforce participation, albeit low-skilled, still stabilizing the migrant and their family financially, but elaborate female migrant networks safeguard against prolonged unemployment. Due to all-encompassing nature of work tasks, the migrants perceive their life abroad as the workplace itself, regardless of the type of employment, while difficult work is endured so that financially more dignified life at home is possible. Women labour bi-locally in gender typical positions but gain financial and quasi-employment independence in this process.

work experiences, women, circular labour migrations, narrative research

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