Stigma & dirty work : In-group and out-group perceptions of essential service workers during COVID-19
Journal article
Mejia, Cynthia, Pittman, Rebecca, Beltramo, Jenna M. D., Horan, Kristin A., Grinley, Amanda and Shoss, Mindy K.. (2021). Stigma & dirty work : In-group and out-group perceptions of essential service workers during COVID-19. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 93, p. Article 102772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102772
Authors | Mejia, Cynthia, Pittman, Rebecca, Beltramo, Jenna M. D., Horan, Kristin A., Grinley, Amanda and Shoss, Mindy K. |
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Abstract | The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential service workers has given rise to their newfound “hero” status, resulting in a dramatic shift of their occupational value. Service work has been long envisioned as “dirty work”, and further, stigmatized by members of society (the Out-Group), until recently. This study utilized occupational stigma theory to identify the mechanisms under which both essential service workers and society at large came to unify around the importance of perceived dirty work in the United States. Critical discourse analysis was employed as a qualitative methodology, particularly examining the In- and Out-Group’s coping mechanisms for coming to terms with the value of “dirty” service work heroes. Theoretical implications include the utilization of stigma theory for Out-Groups, and revealed a previously undetected Out-Group coping tactic. Practical implications include the urgency for keeping the “hero” story alive so that all service workers benefit from the movement. |
Keywords | occupational stigma theory; coping mechanisms; line-level employees; hourly employees; heroes; hospitality industry |
Year | 2021 |
Journal | International Journal of Hospitality Management |
Journal citation | 93, p. Article 102772 |
Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
ISSN | 0278-4319 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102772 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85096849392 |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 1-11 |
Funder | National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 30 Nov 2020 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 10 Nov 2020 |
Deposited | 15 Aug 2022 |
Grant ID | T42OH008438 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8y189/stigma-dirty-work-in-group-and-out-group-perceptions-of-essential-service-workers-during-covid-19
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