Labor precariousness and flexible trajectories in Mexico: A comparative study of three occupations

Abstract

In the context of globalization, productive restructuring and labor flexibility processes, scholars agree that contemporary work features a state of extended precariousness. This article presents the main findings of research done on precariousness in Mexico, taking into account the heterogeneity as well as the subjectivity of this phenomenon. In order to show these processes, the labor situation of individuals from three contrasting occupations in different regions of the country was compared: garment industry workers, call center workers and professional musicians. The empirical inquiry was based on a mixed methodology, with information collected from semi-structured interviews used for the reconstruction of workers’ labor itineraries. Overall, the study shows that instability and uncertainty are predominant features among workers of the three occupations, and only some garment workers in transnational companies, career workers in call centers and tenured musicians in large orchestras escape from precariousness. Individuals respond to this situation through permanent adaptations along their labor trajectories, and the meanings of work are multiple.