Rethinking non-traditional resistance at work: The case of the Indian Diaspora in Mauritius

Abstract

Resistance at work can take many forms and be theorised in multiple ways. In this paper, I use postcolonial theorist Homi Bhabha's concepts of mimicry, ambivalence and hybridity to explore non-traditional forms of resistance among Indo-Mauritians working in the hotel industry. I employ a two-stage qualitative research approach by conducting focus groups in eight hotels in Mauritius followed by focused ethnography with 20 Indo-Mauritians. The findings reveal that the Indian diasporic community is actively engaging with its past (India) through the materiality of its home, its sacred space and its use of Bhojpuri to communicate. By unfolding and maintaining its difference, it is constantly demarcating its personal space from that of the Other. As this behaviour extends to the workplace, salient forms of non-traditional resistance surface in rural regions.

Keywords:

• Indian Diaspora
• resistance
• mimicry
• ambivalence
• hybridity
• Mauritius

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Found objects.

2. Water-carrying vessel usually made of copper or stainless steel used in prayers.

3. Stainless steel plate.

4. Prayer for Goddess Durga.

5. It is a ritual of worship in the Hindu religion in which camphor or lamps are lit and offered to deities.

6. Indian cooking pan with lid made from aluminium.

7. Traditional cast iron pan.

8. Mug made of steel or copper.

9. Traditional spice grinder.

10. A word used for the ancient Indian medicinal system.

11. Chapati pan.

12. Hindu Holy scriptures.

13. Hindu Holy scriptures.

14. Religious TV serial based on a Sanskrit epic.

15. It is a small temple that is found in the front yard of all Hindu homes and it contains a statue of Lord Hanuman.

16. Hindu God symbolising the Creator of the Universe.

17. Term used to identify the Creole and also denoting dirtiness.

18. Arrogant and of high status.

19. Barbarian.