Culture Shock & Opportunity: How Migrant Workers Balance Worlds
"Explore the experiences of subaltern migrants navigating between home and host cultures, challenging consumer norms and seeking social mobility."
In an increasingly interconnected world, the movement of people across national borders has become a defining feature of our time. These global flows of people and goods have sparked significant research into consumer acculturation, exploring how individuals adapt to new cultural environments. However, much of this research overlooks the experiences of subaltern migrants – those who are often marginalized and displaced by economic forces.
Globalization, while offering opportunities for some, can lead to confinement and marginalization for others. This study sheds light on the lives of these "vagabonds," focusing on how they negotiate cultural encounters and resist domination. By examining the experiences of subaltern migrants from Kerala, India, to the Middle East, this article uncovers the complexities of cultural adaptation and the strategies employed to carve out spaces of worth and recognition.
Drawing on French pragmatic sociology and convention theory, this analysis highlights the different interpretations of worth that influence these migrants as they navigate between their home and host cultures. By understanding these dynamics, we can gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by subaltern migrants in a globalized world.
Navigating Worth: The Migrant's Balancing Act
For subaltern migrants, the concept of "worth" takes on multiple dimensions. In their home culture, worth is often associated with traditions, relationships, and trustworthiness. However, in the host culture, the market world often defines worth through money, consumption, and material success. This creates a tension as migrants strive to maintain their cultural values while also seeking economic advancement.
- Resisting Domination: Migrants may use different regimes of worth and justification to resist domination and shape their cultural encounters.
- Shaping Cultural Encounters: They actively shape their cultural experiences by drawing on their values and beliefs.
- Challenging Consumer Norms: They challenge existing acculturation research by highlighting the importance of worth and regimes of justification.
Beyond Stereotypes: Understanding the Migrant Experience
This study challenges simplistic views of migrant acculturation and highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of worth and justification. By giving voice to subaltern migrants, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of globalization and its impact on individuals and communities. It also offers valuable insights for policymakers and organizations seeking to support and empower migrant workers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world.