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Division, Segmentation, and Interpellation: The Embodied Labors of Migrant Workers in a Greater London Hotel

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  • Linda McDowell
  • Adina Batnitzky
  • Sarah Dyer

Abstract

In this article, we explore the ways in which a divided and segmented migrant labor force is assembled to serve guests in a London hotel. We draw on previous studies of hotel work, as well as on cultural analyses of the ways in which employers and managers use stereotypical assumptions about the embodied attributes of workers to name workers as suitable for particular types of labor. We argue that a dual process of interpellation operates within service-sector workplaces that is reinforced and resisted in daily social practices and relationships between managers, workers, and guests in a hotel. The article, which draws on a case study of employment practices in a large London hotel, looks in detail at the micropolitics of everyday working lives, the representation of workers of different nationalities, and the performance of service work.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda McDowell & Adina Batnitzky & Sarah Dyer, 2007. "Division, Segmentation, and Interpellation: The Embodied Labors of Migrant Workers in a Greater London Hotel," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 83(1), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:recgxx:v:83:y:2007:i:1:p:1-25
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1944-8287.2007.tb00331.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Negar Elodie Behzadi & Lucia Direnberger, 2022. "Inégalités socio-spatiales et imbrications des rapports de pouvoir," Post-Print halshs-03508261, HAL.
    2. Huw Vasey, 2017. "The Emergence of a Low-Skill Migrant Labour Market: Structural Constraints, Discourses of Difference and Blocked Mobility," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 863-879, August.
    3. Alcalde-González, Verna & Gálvez Mozo, Ana & Valenzuela Bustos, Alan, 2021. "No clean rooms, no hotel business: Subversion tactics in Las Kellys’ struggle for dignity in hotel housekeeping," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    4. Elaine Swan & Rick Flowers, 2018. "Lasting Impressions: Ethnic Food Tour Guides and Body Work in Southwestern Sydney," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 24-41, January.
    5. Janta, Hania & Lugosi, Peter & Brown, Lorraine & Ladkin, Adele, 2012. "Migrant networks, language learning and tourism employment," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 431-439.
    6. Agnieszka Rydzik & Sundari Anitha, 2020. "Conceptualising the Agency of Migrant Women Workers: Resilience, Reworking and Resistance," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(5), pages 883-899, October.
    7. Allen Scott, 2008. "Production and work in the American metropolis: a macroscopic approach," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 42(4), pages 787-805, December.
    8. Rydzik, Agnieszka & Kissoon, Chavan Sharma, 2022. "The shaping of the neoliberal worker: Socialisation of young adults through flexible hospitality work," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    9. Anna Gawlewicz, 2016. "Beyond openness and prejudice: The consequences of migrant encounters with difference," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 48(2), pages 256-272, February.
    10. Sweta Rajan†Rankin, 2018. "Invisible Bodies and Disembodied Voices? Identity Work, the Body and Embodiment in Transnational Service Work," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 9-23, January.
    11. Chloe Tarrabain & Robyn Thomas, 2024. "The Dynamics of Control of Migrant Agency Workers: Over-Recruitment, ‘The Bitchlist’ and the Enterprising-Self," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(1), pages 27-43, February.
    12. Baum, Tom & Kralj, Anna & Robinson, Richard N.S. & Solnet, David J., 2016. "Tourism workforce research: A review, taxonomy and agenda," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1-22.

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