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Under the clean surface

Author

Listed:
  • Helena Lundberg
  • Jan Ch. Karlsson

Abstract

This is a reflexive ethnographic study of cleaners at a Finnish hotel. There were grounds in the cleaners’ working conditions for resistance and organisational misbehaviour to arise, but almost no collective actions or protests were performed. The needed common identity and problem definition was lacking because of two important impediments: each hotel cleaner had to perform her work alone and there were few other opportunities to meet and discuss conditions; and they were divided into ethnic cliques with close to no communication between them. Instead resistance took individual forms, such as fiddling with cleaning standards and thefts.

Suggested Citation

  • Helena Lundberg & Jan Ch. Karlsson, 2011. "Under the clean surface," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(1), pages 141-148, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:25:y:2011:i:1:p:141-148
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017010389246
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Scherzer, T. & Rugulies, R. & Krause, N., 2005. "Work-related pain and injury and barriers to workers' compensation among Las Vegas hotel room cleaners," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(3), pages 483-488.
    2. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521771313, October.
    3. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521778121, October.
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