Ethnicity and low wage traps: favouritism, homosocial reproduction and economic marginalization

Maria Hudson, Gina Netto, Mike Noon, Filip Sosenko, Philomena De Lima, Nicolina Kamenou-Aigbekaen,

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
361 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This article analyses the relationship between cultural difference, social connections and opportunity structures using interview evidence from low-paid workers and managers in local government, the health service, facilities management and housing. Exploring the operation of homosocial reproduction it reveals the double-edged nature of informality and the role of favouritism in particular in perpetuating ethnic advantage and privilege. Whilst demonstrating that uses of homosocial reproduction need to be sensitive to intersections of identities or categories of difference, the article adds further evidence of the persistent gap between equal opportunities policies and practice for ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom labour market. The article concludes that stronger forms of positive action, and even positive discrimination, are needed to address the low pay traps and restricted opportunities of ethnic minority workers.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)992-1009
Number of pages18
JournalWork, Employment and Society
Volume31
Issue number6
Early online date17 Jan 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Ethnicity
  • Favouritism
  • Homosocial reproduction
  • Intersectionality
  • Pay
  • Privilege
  • Social capital
  • Social mobility
  • Workplace cultures

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