The nanny series: A postcolonial reading

In this sociological case study, Laura James, a professional visual artist, and professor Sonia James-Wilson draw on postcolonial theory and visual art to address issues of gender, work and motherhood. As a conceptual lens, postcolonialism was particularly fitting because it recognizes both historical continuity and transformation, and more importantly, asserts the promise, possibility, and necessity for social change (McLeod, 2000).

In this research, James and James-Wilson were concerned with the ways in which identity is constructed and deconstructed for female domestic workers, and how their common experiences of exploitation and marginalization have fueled a grassroots social movement. Participants included women from former colonies in the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia, and members of Domestic Workers United (DWU), an organization that advocates for industry work standards and a voice for all domestic workers, especially those who are not organized. 

 The Nanny Series, a collection of 20 paintings by James, served as a catalyst to encourage women born in the Global South to produce “texts” that told their stories, helping to make connections between their multiple identities. Interviews with family members conducted by James-Wilson revealed the consequences of their work for their own children, and focus groups conducted with DWU members illustrated how the practice of interrogating colonial discourses have empowered these women to advocate for better wages, improved working conditions, and the respect of their employers.

This proposed presentation will include a summarization of the design, data collection, data analysis, and findings of this case study, and a slide show of images from The Nanny Series.