SELF-GOVERNING STRATEGIES OF FEMALE TIED MIGRANTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN LABOR MARKET

Farirai Zinatsa, Musawenkosi D. Saurombe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite being one of the major integration means for migrants, labor market integration (LMI) remains understudied in the Global South. The extant literature on the LMI of female accompanying spouses is lacking. Skilled accompanying spouses can be considered economic migrants who may seek to exercise their agency in search of empowerment and economic self-sufficiency through LMI. The main objective of this research was to determine the meso governing technologies influencing the LMI of accompanying spouses in the Free State Province, South Africa, using Michel Foucault’s theory of governmentality. Since South Africa remains a key regional hub for migration in the Global South, it is imperative that its migration governance framework considers accompanying spouses. A qualitative, interpretivist approach using 13 one-on-one interviews, which each lasted two hours on average, was adopted in this study. Thematic analysis was used to generate the findings. The study found that the meso-level governing technologies affecting the tied migrants’ pursuit of LMI included family ties and traditional gender roles, diaspora expectations, visa processing challenges, the non-recognition of qualifications, and employer-related exclusion—mainly linked to what were perceived to be discriminatory and exclusionary practices. This study’s findings can, to some extent, highlight issues that could inform South African immigration policy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)40-41
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of Global Business and Technology
Volume18
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • female
  • labor market
  • self-governing strategies
  • South Africa
  • Tied migrant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Marketing
  • Strategy and Management
  • Business and International Management

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