Navigating the Dual Realities of Hotel Management and domestic labor: An anthropological dive.

In the quiet, sun-dappled town of Vinarós on Spain's Mediterranean coast, my aunt Maria-Lucia balances her life as co-manager of the family Hotel and as a woman steeped in the invisible, demanding world of domestic labor. This dual role is not only a reflection of her personal journey but also a vivid tableau of broader socio-economic and gender dynamics within the European hospitality industry.

A Familiar Yet Distant Terrain

For me, this study was both intimately known and academically unfamiliar. The family-run hotel, where I had previously worked during summer breaks, became a site of inquiry. My aunt Maria-Lucia was not just an informant but the embodiment of the study’s focal point: cleanliness and disorder.

This immersion demanded a careful balance between personal connections and professional detachment. I embraced a method described by Tammaso (2020) as "observant participation," a hybrid approach that allowed me to navigate the interplay of family familiarity and the critical distance required for academic research.

The Invisible Labor Behind Hospitality

Maria-Lucia’s work exemplifies the physical and emotional toll of a profession often relegated to invisibility. As a housekeeper and co-manager, her duties range from maintaining the meticulous standards of guest rooms to overseeing staff and addressing the aesthetic details of the property. Her daily tasks echoed the findings of Guégnard and Mériot (2010), who highlight the precarious, low-status conditions faced by housekeepers across Europe.

Despite her central role, Maria-Lucia’s contributions are often undervalued, both within our family and the broader professional context. Comments from her children and husband—"She’s not capable of handling paperwork" or "She’s a housekeeper here; that's why she doesn't own a part of the hotel"—reflect the ingrained stereotypes that diminish the skill and significance of her work. These attitudes perpetuate what the researchers term "plural precarity," a state of vulnerability exacerbated by gendered expectations and limited professional mobility.

Cleanliness as a Cultural Construct

My investigation delved into Maria-Lucia’s perceptions of cleanliness and disorder, revealing a complex interplay of cultural norms and professional imperatives. For her, cleanliness signifies the absence of visible dirt: spotless windows, dust-free corners, and sanitized bathrooms. Her approach aligns with Prost’s (2007) concept of "post-hygienism," where the focus shifts from microbial safety to aesthetic order.

This emphasis on visual tidiness starkly contrasts with the state of her private living spaces, described as "neglected" and "too far gone to bother cleaning." The disparity underscores a disconnect between the professional standards she upholds and the personal boundaries she navigates daily. It also highlights a broader societal trend: the prioritization of public-facing cleanliness over personal or hidden spaces.

Entwined Lives: The Personal and the Professional

Maria-Lucia’s life is a testament to the blurred lines between work and home in family-run businesses. Her proximity to the hotel—both physically and emotionally—leaves little room for respite. The relentless demands of high season, with 14-hour workdays and minimal breaks, contrast sharply with the slower rhythms of the off-season, creating a cycle of exhaustion and recovery.

This lifestyle takes a toll on her relationships and mental health. As she confided to me, "When we go on family trips, it’s the only time we don’t fight. My husband bans hotel talk during vacations." Her narrative echoes a common theme in the hospitality industry: the challenge of maintaining personal well-being amid professional pressures.

Reflections on Methodology and Bias

My fieldwork underscored the challenges of studying a familiar environment. My close relationship with Maria-Lucia necessitated a reflexive approach, acknowledging potential biases while striving for analytical rigor. This dual lens allowed me to explore not just Maria-Lucia’s lived experiences but also the broader social structures shaping her reality.

The study also highlighted the value of "anthropology of the near," as advocated by Beaud and Weber (2010). By focusing on a subject often overlooked in academic discourse—the daily labor of housekeepers—I hope to contribute to a growing recognition of the nuanced realities within seemingly mundane professions.

Conclusion: A Call for Recognition

Maria-Lucia’s story is a microcosm of larger systemic issues: the undervaluation of domestic and hospitality work, the gendered dynamics of professional hierarchies, and the societal tendency to prioritize appearances over substance. Through my lens, these themes gain a human face, challenging readers to reconsider the invisible labor that sustains industries and families alike.

This case study is not just an academic exercise but a call to action. By amplifying voices like Maria-Lucia’s, we can begin to dismantle the structures that render such work invisible, fostering a more equitable and inclusive understanding of labor in all its forms.

Written by Sophie Alexandra Monseu

January 2021

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