Work

Reframing approaches to workplace violence towards Pacific homecare workers in New Zealand and Australia

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In Australia and New Zealand there is an emerging focus on the problems of violence and harassment for the large, feminised workforces of care and support workers in homecare settings. However, much of this research does not consider the power dynamics of workplaces and socio-political influences that impact how workers are supported when facing WPV. This is of particular concern in relation to the growing proportion of Pacific workers in Australia and New Zealand, many of whom have temporary migrant status. Using a narrative review method, we find that extant research largely fails to address the experiences of Pacific homecare workers, and that this, and the lack of attention to Pacific workers in practice, is informed by racist norms and attitudes based on historic and current labour market and migration policies. Drawing on socio-ecological models of workplace violence (WPV), we propose a research and policy analytical framework of WPV that centres Pacific voices and culture to better mitigate and prevent Pacific homecare workers’ experiences of WPV.

Source: Journal of Industrial Relations

DOI: 10.1177/00221856241270989

Authors: Maulupeivao Betty Ofe-Grant, Katherine Ravenswood, Fiona Macdonald

Institution: Auckland University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Violence and Bullying

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450