Gender, Social Work and migration phenomenon: Latin American live-in caregivers in Spain

Abstract

International migration is a phenomenon of great importance in today’s globalised era that directly influences the social, political and economic landscape. As a result, more and more people are deciding to move from their country of origin. Furthermore, changes in society and demographics, such as the incorporation of women into the labour market and the ageing of the population, have favoured female migration. In this sense, Spain has become the destination chosen by many women from Latin America to work mainly as live-in caregivers. This study has been carried out to shed light on the situation of live-in caregivers from Latin America in Spain. A bibliographical review has been developed to this end. The information was compiled using Scopus, Sociological Abstracts and Social Services Abstracts databases. It is concluded that live-in caregivers have a low social status in the host country. In addition, they face poor working conditions, gender inequalities and ethnic and racial discrimination, which have an impact on their quality of life and well-being. Thus, it is imperative to highlight that live-in caregivers face intersectional discrimination in the receiving country. In the same line, it is necessary to strengthen the care for a group that is in a situation of vulnerability and, then, to reduce the negative psychosocial effects.