The Decisions of Roma From Marginalised Localities About Travelling to Work in the Form Job Mobility or Commuting

Abstract

The decision-making process of Roma from marginalised backgrounds to travel to work is a complex phenomenon influenced by socio-economic, personal and environmental aspects. The aim of the article is to identify the different aspects that determine the individual decision-making of Roma about the travel to work in the form of job mobility or commuting. We look at the decision-making process both through the lens of rational choice theory, and also through the theory of the capital model of decision-making, which elaborates on the different aspects determining the process of individual choice. It is based on the social, economic, territorial and personal resources available to the decisionmakers. Aspects of decision-making of Roma from marginalised communities were mapped in the framework of the integrated research project APVV 17-0141. In the quantitative part, we collected data through a questionnaire method, where we approached n=842 respondents, of whom n=375 were currently travelling for work. For the qualitative part, we collected data through semi-structured interviews, where we were able to reach 40 participants who have experience of job mobility or are considering this option. We used descriptive statistics and interpretative phenomenological analysis to process the data. The results showed that job mobility in both forms occurs under the influence of adverse socioeconomic situations, which can lead people to act suboptimal. In choosing the location of mobility, the availability of information and the experience of close people facilitates the decisionmaking process. In some cases, they can become a guaranteed system, represented by working and wage conditions. In addition to the influence of social networks, it is important to stress the key role of the family. In the case of poor households, we can even speak of decision-making at family level. The family and the availability of work at the regional level is a key aspect that leads to differences in decision-making between mobility and commuting. If work is available in the region, they choose commuting to provide the necessary economic resources for themselves and the household.

Diverse Realities of Roma Labour Migration From Slovakia

“…In terms of job search abroad, several works indicate that Roma are looking for a job with the help of relatives abroad (Šatara & Havírová 2022;Hajská 2017;Castle-Kaněrová 2002). However, some also mention social workers (Hájska 2017) or employment agencies (Martin et al 2017).…”

Further Discussions on Labour Mobility in the EU

“…In terms of job search abroad, several works indicate that Roma are looking for a job with the help of relatives abroad (Šatara & Havírová 2022;Hajská 2017;Castle-Kaněrová 2002). However, some also mention social workers (Hájska 2017) or employment agencies (Martin et al 2017).…”