Voices: migrant domestic workers and civil society

Abstract

Empirical research at two immigrant organizations engaged in mobilizing and representing domestic workers provides the foundations for a reflection on the struggle of the underprivileged to act collectively. The fluid motion of civil society organizations between agents of mobilization and producers of policy advise amplifies the importance of examining their operation. Renowned elaborations on public sociology, feminist ethnography, and symbolic violence are convened. The dispute for inclusion and representation in this particular case is shown to take place at two distinct though interconnected fronts: one pertaining to the value and legitimacy of domestic work, the other pertaining to regulatory frameworks.