Construction of 'useful Others'? Neoliberal Logics and the Emergence of Agency in the Austrian Labor Market

The following article presents a critical examination of the categorization and differentiation of young mobile individuals (YMI) within the context of Austrian labor migration. The analysis is centered on the agency of these individuals and, consequently, on the structural and symbolic dynamics that shape their experiences. In light of demographic shifts across Europe and the persistent labor shortages in Austria, the recruitment of YMI is increasingly regarded as a pivotal strategy for sustaining social and pension systems.

By employing Degele and Winker's multi-level analysis, this study illuminates the structural dimensions and symbolic representations that shape the lives of YMI at various levels. On this foundation, the research adopts a dual approach. This entails the integration of structured interviews with key stakeholders in the field of labor migration to examine institutional contexts, coupled with the utilization of narrative interviews to elucidate the lived experiences of YMI.

The objective is to examine the processes through which YMI are constructed as "useful others". This necessitates the identification of the structural and symbolic dimensions that shape both access to labor market resources and social benefits, as well as the agency of these individuals.

Preliminary findings indicate that YMI are situated in disparate economic and social contexts as a consequence of the interplay between gender, origin, age, and class relations. These positions are shaped by the influence of heteropatriarchal, colonial and neoliberal logics. Individuals are considered “useful” if they provide economic benefits, yet they must also conform to cultural norms, as postulated by Kourabas (2021) in the concept of "ambivalent concurrency."

This study contributes to a broader discussion on social participation and integration in contemporary migration policies, and serves to highlight the urgent need for political and institutional reforms to promote inclusivity in education, the labor market, and social services.