2024-10-29 16:03:00
Since the outbreak of fighting in their country, many Ukrainians have had to flee to settle in other countries. But even far from the war, difficulties continue. Refugee mothers, in particular, face discrimination and undervaluation of their skills in the labor market.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country, seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Among them, a large number of mothers crossed the Polish border in the hope of rebuilding their lives in an unfamiliar environment. Even if European countries like Poland initially welcomed these refugees with great kindness, their lasting integration into the labor market remains fraught with difficulties.
Notre study explores the experiences of these women, revealing how they navigate a complex intertwining of motherhood, refugee status and cultural identity, while confronting a strong lack of understanding of their skills. Thus, they do not have the possibility of negotiating the conditions of their inclusion.
The dual identity of mother and refugee
Lack of knowledge, as conceptualized by the sociologist Pierre Bourdieurefers to the devaluation or undervaluation of an individual’s social, economic and cultural capital within a given society. For Ukrainian refugee mothers, this lack of knowledge manifests itself in various forms, since non-recognition of their professional qualifications up to the perception of their role in the receiving society.
Although these women are highly qualified and experienced in their fields, they often find themselves relegated to low-paying, low-status jobs far below their skills. Managers or doctors sometimes find themselves working in pizzerias, for much lower salaries. Their diplomas and professional experience are often ignored because they are not institutionally recognized, and they suffer the stigma linked to the status of refugee mother, perceived as poorly qualified. Marginalized groups often face greater difficulties establishing legitimacy in contexts that perpetuate power inequalities and oppression. Therefore, the power relations prevent these women from negotiating the conditions of their inclusion.
L’intersection of motherhood and refugee status exacerbates the difficulties these women face. Unlike the voluntary migrants who can anticipate their transition, refugee mothers are often unprepared for this sudden change of country. This lack of preparation, combined with their primary responsibility of caring for their children, severely limits their ability to negotiate better working conditions or to seek employment corresponding to their skills. This situation is further complicated by the absence of support networks, as many have not only left their homes, but also their families and wider communities.
Symbolic violence and exclusion from the labor market
The symbolic violenceanother concept coined by Pierre Bourdieu, designates the subtle, often invisible, forms of domination that perpetuate social inequalities. For these refugee mothers, symbolic violence manifests itself in the way their symbolic and cultural assets such as educational qualifications are systematically devalued. In addition, mothers, when forced to keep their sick children at home, often risk losing their jobs. Without a support network, they find themselves isolated and deprived. Symbolic violence also persists because it is not recognizedbecause refugee mothers do not question their living conditions.
These women also often face prejudice and stereotypes, such as the expectation that Ukrainian workers should do more work for less pay. This expectation stems from the belief that this group, perceived as different from the dominant group in society, will accept everything in order to integrate. These conditions create a form conditional inclusionwhere refugee mothers can participate in the labor market, but only on terms that reinforce their inferior position.
The need for structural change
The findings of our study highlight the need for more inclusive labor market policies and practices. Employers, policymakers and civil society must recognize the unique challenges faced by refugee mothers and take steps to overcome the systemic barriers that hinder their inclusion.
This includes not only recognizing and valuing their professional qualifications, but also providing adequate childcare support and creating pathways for their upward mobility in the labor market. But the greater need is to recognize the power issues within society that put marginalized groups in difficulty.
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