Work Intimacy And Postcolonial Hierarchies In Dubai: Worlding The Middle East

When one thinks of Dubai, images of luxury, the tallest skyscrapers, and man-made islands often come to mind. This city in the United Arab Emirates has become a global symbol of ambition, wealth, and modernity. However, beneath its glitzy facade lies a complex social and economic landscape that is shaped by the dynamics of work intimacy and postcolonial hierarchies.

The Global City

Dubai's rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a global city is largely attributed to its strategic location and visionary leadership. As a major hub for trade and commerce, it attracts millions of expatriate workers from around the world who play a crucial role in its economic development.

The concept of work intimacy in Dubai is closely tied to the influx of foreign talent, particularly from countries that were once colonized by European powers. These expatriates often bring with them a sense of cultural superiority and entitlement, perpetuating postcolonial hierarchies within the city.

Western Privilege: Work, Intimacy, and Postcolonial Hierarchies in Dubai (Worlding the Middle East)

by Amélie Le Renard(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2273 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Postcolonial Hierarchies

The remnants of colonial power structures can be observed in various aspects of life in Dubai. The dominant position of Western expatriates, many of whom hold high-ranking positions in multinational corporations, often serves as a reminder of historical power imbalances.

The postcolonial hierarchies in Dubai are further reinforced by the treatment of migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of the city's labor force. These workers, often from South Asian countries, are subjected to exploitative employment practices and live in segregated communities with limited access to basic rights and social services.

Work Intimacy

Work intimacy, a term coined by cultural geographer Tim Edensor, refers to the close relationships that develop in work environments, particularly in multicultural settings like Dubai. These relationships are characterized by both camaraderie and power differentials, reflecting the historical legacies of colonialism.

In Dubai, work intimacy takes on a unique form due to the diverse composition of the workforce. Expatriates from the West often enjoy social and economic privileges, while migrant workers face precarious conditions and limited opportunities for social mobility.

Worlding The Middle East

Dubai's rapid development and global prominence have positioned it as a key player in shaping perceptions of the Middle East. Its image as a modern metropolis has overshadowed the diverse cultural, social, and political dynamics of the region.

The concept of "worlding" refers to the process through which certain places, like Dubai, become symbols of global aspirations and progress. However, this process often glosses over the underlying power dynamics and inequalities that shape these global cities.

Dubai's journey from a modest fishing village to a global city is a testament to the ambition and capability of its leaders. However, the city's success is not without its complexities. Work intimacy and postcolonial hierarchies play a significant role in shaping the social and economic landscape of Dubai, highlighting the ongoing legacy of colonialism and power imbalances.

Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society in Dubai and beyond. It requires a commitment to challenging existing hierarchies and promoting social justice, while also celebrating the rich diversity and cultural heritage of the region.

Western Privilege: Work, Intimacy, and Postcolonial Hierarchies in Dubai (Worlding the Middle East)

by Amélie Le Renard(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2273 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Nearly 90 percent of residents in Dubai are foreigners with no Emirati nationality. As in many global cities, those who hold Western passports share specific advantages: prestigious careers, high salaries, and comfortable homes and lifestyles. With this book, Amélie Le Renard explores how race, gender and class backgrounds shape experiences of privilege, and investigates the processes that lead to the formation of Westerners as a social group.

Westernness is more than a passport; it is also an identity that requires emotional and bodily labor. And as they work, hook up, parent, and hire domestic help, Westerners chase Dubai's promise of socioeconomic elevation for the few. Through an ethnography informed by postcolonial and feminist theory, Le Renard reveals the diverse experiences and trajectories of white and non-white, male and female Westerners to understand the shifting and contingent nature of Westernness—and also its deep connection to whiteness and heteronormativity. Western Privilege offers a singular look at the lived reality of structural racism in cities of the global South.