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Dignity of Work and at Work: The Relationship between Workplace Dignity and Health among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Thespina J. Yamanis

    (School of International Service, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA)

  • Samhita Rao

    (School of International Service, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA)

  • Alexandra J. Reichert

    (Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37235, USA)

  • Rachel Haws

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Taryn Morrissey

    (School of Public Affairs, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, DC 20016, USA)

  • Angela Suarez

    (La Clinica del Pueblo, Washington, DC 20009, USA)

Abstract

Latino immigrants living in the United States were highly vulnerable to the health and economic consequences brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We use the conceptual framing of workplace dignity, worth that is acknowledged based on performance of job responsibilities, to explore Latino immigrants’ experiences during the early months of the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted with La Clínica del Pueblo ( La Clínica ), a community health center serving low-income Latino immigrants. From June to December 2020, we conducted in-depth video interviews with 29 Latino immigrant clients to explore pandemic-related challenges, including workplace changes, discriminatory experiences, and effects on health. We conducted thematic analysis using Dedoose software. Nearly half of participants were undocumented immigrants. Most participants were unemployed or underemployed due to the pandemic and 26–49 years of age; one-third were still working, and one-quarter were 50 years or older. About half were cisgender women and two were transgender women. Employed participants experienced a lack of dignity through being socially isolated and stigmatized at work; receiving no compensation for their extra labor or for sick leave; and experiencing discriminatory labor practices. Unemployed participants experienced a lack of dignity in being the first to lose their jobs without government support; losing self-esteem; and not being rehired. Participants associated denial of dignity with worsening health conditions and increased anxiety and depression. Our study suggests that denial of workplace dignity—through job loss, underemployment, and poor working conditions—is linked to adverse health outcomes for Latino immigrants. More research should recognize workplace dignity as an important social determinant of health.

Suggested Citation

  • Thespina J. Yamanis & Samhita Rao & Alexandra J. Reichert & Rachel Haws & Taryn Morrissey & Angela Suarez, 2024. "Dignity of Work and at Work: The Relationship between Workplace Dignity and Health among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:855-:d:1425754
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michaud, Pierre-Carl & Crimmins, Eileen M. & Hurd, Michael D., 2016. "The effect of job loss on health: Evidence from biomarkers," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 194-203.
    2. Barbara Gomez-Aguinaga & Melanie Sayuri Dominguez & Sylvia Manzano, 2021. "Immigration and Gender as Social Determinants of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Case of US Latina/os," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, June.
    3. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521771313, September.
    4. Gazi Islam, 2012. "Recognition, Reification, and Practices of Forgetting: Ethical Implications of Human Resource Management," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 111(1), pages 37-48, November.
    5. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521778121, September.
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