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Work, Employment & Society, Vol. 19, No. 2, 349-368 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0950017005053177

Overseas nurses’ motivations for working in the UK

globalization and life politics

John Aggergaard Larsen

University of Surrey, UK, j.larsen{at}surrey.ac.uk

Helen T. Allan

University of Surrey, UK

Karen Bryan

University of Surrey, UK

Pam Smith

University of Surrey, UK

This article addresses the theoretical integration of macro and micro dimensions of global workforce migration, detailing overseas nurses’motivations for working in the UK. The discussion is based on focus group interviews with overseas nurses in three areas in the UK. Their motivations for migrating are contrasted with their experiences of frequently being stereotyped as economic migrants who come from poor countries to gain financial benefits. These conflicting perspectives on overseas nurses’ motivations are explored through a discussion of Bauman’s notion of global and local values, which conceptually combines issues of globalization with the migrants’ perspectives. Giddens’ concept ‘life politics’ is introduced to take further account of individuals’experiences and perspectives. Our data suggest that overseas nurses take a global, transnational perspective on life. Likewise, the simplistic understanding of overseas nurses as economic migrants appears to reflect a local perspective where the lives of individuals are seen to be confined within the borders of nation states. The analysis suggests how perspectives on migration are shaped by individuals’ values and life orientations interfacing with conditions of globalization.

Key Words: focus group interview • globalization • healthcare workforce • life politics • migration


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