Moralized Mobilities. A Multi-scalar Analysis of the Role of Religion in Migrant Care Work

The globalization of care work constitutes a major equality issue in contemporary societies. Although the relevance of religion and morality in constructing/organizing migrant care work (MCW) is acknowledged, their role remains under-theorized, and the debate has mainly centered on secular actors/processes. Yet organized religions carry specific gender/ethnic projects and are concerned with regulating social reproduction. Based on a critical literature review spanning different historical periods, contexts, and faiths, we develop a conceptual framework serving a multi-scalar analysis of the role of religion in MCW. We focus on the interconnections between macro-level transnational religious networks promoting care mobilities, meso-level religion regimes shaping MCWs’ inclusion into national labor markets, and micro-level work practices. The concept of “moralized care mobilities” captures the multi-level and ambivalent role of religion(s) in upholding traditional gender regimes and in enabling and constraining pathways to MCW mobility, providing resources for empowerment but also sanctifying social inequalities.