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Stigma & dirty work : In-group and out-group perceptions of essential service workers during COVID-19
Mejia, Cynthia Pittman, Rebecca Beltramo, Jenna M. D. Horan, Kristin A. Grinley, Amanda Shoss, Mindy K.
Mejia, Cynthia
Pittman, Rebecca
Beltramo, Jenna M. D.
Horan, Kristin A.
Grinley, Amanda
Shoss, Mindy K.
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
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Hospitality Management
Book
Volume
93
Issue
Page Range
1-11
Article Number
Article 102772
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled