Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Zanj The Journal of Critical Global South Studies
Publication Date
1-25-2025
Abstract
This paper has two main objectives. First, it delves into the complex dynamics of social inequality among migrant workers who, being transnational, often face a dual or multiple class and status positions depending on their physical location, and their ethno-national, and gender backgrounds. Their class position becomes uncertain, fluid, and unstable. Drawing comparisons with their sedentary counterparts, the ambiguity of their class positions in the home and host countries becomes apparent. Migrant workers, often driven by economic necessity or geopolitical factors, face unique challenges that distinguish their experiences from those in settled communities. By examining the multifaceted dimensions of social inequality, this paper aims to shed light on the distinct characteristics and implications of inequality within migrant populations while also highlighting key differences from their sedentary counterparts in their societies of origin. Second, this paper argues that the concept of class, as used in mainstream sociology, falls short when applied to transnational migrants. Yet, the concept of class has not outlived its utility, despite the challenges the case of migrant laborers poses. Conceptual innovation is needed for tackling the subject of class in the context of transnationalism, which this paper strives to provide by interrelating social class with occupational status and exploring their effects on transnational migrant workers.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Pluto Journals
Volume
8
Issue
1-2
First Page
28
Last Page
52
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Migrant Workers, Transnationalism, Social Inequality, Class Ambiguity, Occupational Status
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Khondker, Habibul Haque, "Temporary Migrant Workers in Transnational Space: Understanding Class Ambiguity" (2025). All Works. 7364.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/7364
Indexed in Scopus
no
Open Access
yes
Open Access Type
Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series