Migrant women living in Athens often describe themselves as caught in a condition of double marginality: they constitute a vulnerable group within the overall migrant population. Lacunae in immigration policy, undocumented work and spatial and social isolation, coupled with prejudiced views regarding women’s ability to undertake collective action, are among the reasons why it may seem impossible that these women could engage in organising activities–and therefore also why these activities remain understudied. Based on a qualitative study of migrant women’s associations and networks in Athens, we examine the condition of possibility of associational activity undertaken by migrant women. We argue that work, motherhood, and culture are the three domains of action that account for the formation of networks and associations. Moreover, we present migrant women’s associational activity as a process that allows for the negotiation and reworking of a subject position that deploys recognition strategies in the urban setting of Athens. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Migration immigrant organisations cultural organisations domestic work migrant women’s organisations Gender motherhood Athens

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