The Challenge of Migration in Swedish Eldercare: Experiences of Everyday Racism

Abstract

In this chapter, I discuss the significant challenges that migration constitutes in the eldercare work. The chapter emphasises work experiences, expressions of racism in eldercare services and how staff members deal with racism. The purpose has been to get eldercare personnel to reflect on the concrete actions they handle in their work and the results from interviews with eight women working in eldercare. Essed’s theory of everyday racism provides the framework for analysing their stories. The results show how eldercare staff deals with discrimination and vulnerability in the workplace. Staff members also describe their encounters with people who humiliate them and continue working under challenging conditions. Their statements demonstrate aspects of the struggle in working life to maintain both the profession’s status and value as a human being. With this knowledge in place, workplaces in eldercare services can actively determine work methods that promote an antiracist working life and equality in the workplace.