Perceptions of migrant domestic workers in rural Southern Europe: Insights from Italy and Spain

This study examined perceptions and sentiments toward female migrant domestic workers providing elderly care in two “predominantly rural” Southern European provinces: Potenza in Italy and Teruel in Spain. We analyzed field observations, interviews, and conversations collected mainly in small towns and villages. Our goal was to better understand how migrant domestic workers were perceived across different societal levels in their rural communities, the factors that shaped those views, and whether some of those perspectives were specific to these rural areas. Our findings revealed a high level of awareness among local residents about these workers, although this awareness did not necessarily imply friendship or inclusion in local social circles. Perceptions of migrant domestic workers as a group typically ranged from neutral to favorable, with local residents often valuing their contributions. However, skepticism and problematic views were also identified. Overall, increased contact and familiarity tended to reduce prejudice over time. We also discussed the critical issue of “trust” among care recipients and their family members, as well as the “contextual empathy” that residents often showed toward these workers—empathy that typically factored in local challenges.