Essential for what? A global social reproduction view on the re-organisation of work during the COVID-19 pandemic

Main author: Stevano, Sara
Other authors: Ali, Rosimina
Jamieson, Merle
Format: Journal Article           
Online access: Click here to view record


Summary: COVID-19 has shaken a foundational pillar of global capitalism: the organisation of work. A pivotal dimension of such re-organisation has been the classification of work as essential or not. This article explores the concept of essential work using a global feminist social reproduction perspective. We show that the meaning of essential work is more ambiguous and politicised than it may appear and, although it can be used as a basis to reclaim the value of socially reproductive work, its transformative potential hinges on the possibility to encompass the most precarious and transnational dimensions of (re)production.
Other authors: Ali, Rosimina, Jamieson, Merle
Language: English
Published: Taylor and Francis 2021