Female Migration and Human Exploitation

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 3. Migrants, labour and exploitation

Abstract

The “genderization” of migration results in a whole series of disparities which, however, have nothing to do with genetics, but rather with the social position of women in the family and the community. Patriarchal culture and economic processes come together to define devices of interiorization and dehumanization of women, which determine all kinds of violent practices, abuse, trafficking and reduction to slavery.

The invisibility and impunity of domestic servitude is particularly striking. Also, in the supposed human rights paradise that is Europe, there are girls and women who have been deceived by employers, agencies or intermediaries, being indebted or even trafficked, making it possible for abusive employers and mass-traffickers (mail-order brides) to subject them to slavery or domestic servitude. An undervalued and inferior work known as "dirty work", that is mostly carried out by black, Latino, Caribbean, Asian, indigenous, migrant and (almost) always women. Specifically, women and girls in an irregular situation opt for domestic service because it is less visible to migration authorities, the payment is in cash and they sometimes stay overnight at home, which saves them from having to worry about accommodation and a certain sense of security. However, this situation makes them more vulnerable, especially if the regularity of their situation depends on employment. A clear violation of human rights that remains virtually unpunished.

Author

• Nieves Sanz Mulas, University of Salamanca (Spain)