Migrant capabilities and domestic work. Agency and (dis)empowerment experiences of Latin American female domestic workers in Andalusia, Spain

Abstract

This research set out to understand the (dis)empowerment experiences of Latin American female migrant domestic workers (FMDWs) in Andalusia, Spain. Paid domestic work in Spain, as well as around the world, is characterized by precarity and lack of legal recognition. Because of the overrepresentation of female migrants in this sector, abundant literature has addressed this topic by exploring how intersecting systems of oppression situate these women in a disempowered position in their host societies. But despite these constraining structures, FMDWs navigate their everyday lives implementing collective and individual actions to improve their personal situation. Engaging in labour migration is itself an act of agency that has ambivalent effects towards their empowerment and wellbeing. Some women are quickly successful in their projects, while most endure hard working and living conditions in the hope of eventually achieving a better quality of life. This research uses the capability approach to account for the wellbeing of FMDWs according to their values and interests, as well as the use of their individual agency for achieving their desired functionings. The data of this research was collected over a period of three months in Andalusia through interviews, observation, and one focus group. This research found that migrating and becoming a domestic worker in Spain has both empowering and disempowering effects on Latin American women. However, it is still a sector characterized by precarity and abuses. Relational factors and personal resources define the situation of each FMDW, although the migration status and time spent in the country are determinants on their (dis)empowerment. Overall, it was found that these women have high levels of agency and awareness towards their situation. However, how this translates to an increase of their wellbeing and capabilities is limited by a context of global inequalities and constraining institutions in Spain.