One Way Ticket: Migration and Female Labour

One Way Ticket (1983) explores the hidden armies of migrant women workers in Western Europe, examining the relationship between motherhood, paid work, ethnicity, and the oppression and exploitation of migrant women by their male counterparts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

One Way Ticket (1983) delves into the unseen legions of migrant women workers who have been instrumental in filling the need for low-skilled, low-paid, and unstable employment in both the formal and informal sectors of Western Europe since the 1950s. This film offers a fresh perspective on labor migration and the unique nature of female employment. It explores the intricate interplay between motherhood, paid work, and ethnicity, examines the challenges faced by the second generation of black women workers, and sheds light on the oppressive and exploitative practices perpetrated against migrant women by their male counterparts through the establishment of "ethnic economies."

The film begins by shedding light on the experiences of migrant women workers from different parts of the world who have come to Western Europe in search of better opportunities. These women are often subjected to discrimination and exploitation, with many facing low wages, long hours, and hazardous working conditions. The film highlights the fact that these women are often invisible in the broader discourse on labor migration, as their contributions are often overshadowed by the male-dominated labor market.

One Way Ticket examines the relationship between motherhood, paid work, and ethnicity. It explores how the demands of motherhood and paid work can intersect and create challenges for women workers, particularly those from minority backgrounds. The film shows how women may be forced to choose between pursuing their careers or fulfilling their responsibilities as mothers, leading to increased stress and inequality.

The film also takes a close look at the position of a second generation of black women workers. It explores how these women are navigating the complexities of race, gender, and class in a society that often marginalizes them. The film shows how these women are fighting for recognition and equality in the workplace, while also dealing with the legacy of discrimination and oppression that their mothers and grandmothers faced.

One Way Ticket also sheds light on the oppressive and exploitative practices perpetrated against migrant women by their male counterparts through the creation of "ethnic economies." The film shows how these men use their power and influence to control the labor market, exploiting migrant women for their cheap labor. It highlights the fact that these practices not only harm the women themselves but also have a negative impact on the broader community, as they contribute to the exploitation and inequality of workers from minority backgrounds.

The film offers a powerful critique of the systems and structures that perpetuate discrimination and exploitation against migrant women workers. It calls for greater awareness and action to address the challenges faced by these women and to promote greater equality and justice in the workplace. One Way Ticket is a groundbreaking film that has had a significant impact on the understanding of labor migration and the specific character of female employment. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gender, race, and class in the modern world.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032365039