Relation between beliefs and inequality

[sophia]

It depends on the country they come from. I noticed that migrants from for example Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq might be highly qualified but follow in terms of gender relations the “old” rules. It is quite accepted that women go to work. But also expected to care for the children, the house etc. in addition. The work separation in family context is still an old-hot issue. I guess, in all societies.

[Zdenka]

I agree that even though there might be some progress in certain areas, in others old habits and stereotypes persist. I think a key is to talk about these issues, make them public and find role models who can strongly communicate the changes.

[Thomas]

I think we have to be careful with this not to reduce a complex issue of barriers to migrant community participation in work or other aspects of society based on ‘cultural beliefs’. I think while cultural beliefs on issues such as gender roles in society are important considerations, we must look at these in the context barriers such as language, visa status, level of education, social class in home country and how these reflect <font face=”inherit”>broader power relations (social class, gender, race) in society. For those who don’t face these barriers because of ‘cultural beliefs’, there are many other barriers to their full </font>participation<font face=”inherit”> in </font>society<font face=”inherit”>. We can see many examples of the disproportionate representation of racialized communities working in some of the most precarious and under valued types of work in our societies. </font>

[Zdenka]

I fully agree that this is a complex issue and the more aspects we bring to the table the better solutions we can come up with.