Constructing better exchanges by enforcing a moral contract: Grey work, irregular migrant labour and the moral economy of illegality in paid domestic work in Geneva

Abstract

In this article I analyse the establishment of a new moral economy of illegality in the domestic service economy in Geneva. I look at the different spaces, instruments and policies that make up this moral economy of illegality, as well as the ways in which this moral economy is perceived and experienced ‘from below’ by the economic actors involved. My argument, based on interviews and documentary analysis, is threefold. First, I argue that the emergence of this moral economy is justified by the fact that it confers rights on vulnerable workers. Second, the findings show that the moral economy is based on the idea of constructing better – if not legal – economic exchanges. The establishment of this new moral economy of illegality creates a continuum by adding a mode of ‘accepted illegality’ between full legality and full illegality. Third, I argue that the transformation of employment relationships is achieved through the ‘light-touch’ enforcement of a moral contract.