Money Transfer Locations: From Core to Margins? Border, Spatiality, and Participatory Insights from the City of Palermo

This paper explores the evolving concept of 'dirty work', traditionally associated with stigmatised occupations perceived as degrading or morally compromised, expanding it to encompass a wider range of professional roles that challenge established boundaries. The study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on 'dirty work' by focusing on the role of money transfer operators in urban settings, with specific reference to the city of Palermo. Palermo’s 81 money transfers—47 of which are operated by migrant-run businesses—act as critical infrastructure, facilitating the formation of cross-border identities and recognition, whilst also making a significant contribution to both the local and transnational economies.

By positioning money transfer work within the existing literature, this research highlights the tension between the material and symbolic dimensions of the profession. Workers in these roles frequently confront societal stigmas associated with migrant status, financial transactions viewed as having low prestige, and the perception of informality surrounding their operations. However, these individuals actively reshape their professional identities by providing services that meet the financial needs of migrant and EU populations. The spatial distribution of money transfer outlets across Palermo underlines their significance as economic nodes and social institutions, embedded in the fabric of community life. Preliminary observations suggest that migrant-operated outlets primarily cater to the needs of remittances, whereas those owned by nationals tend to serve the financial demands of EU citizens.

The paper further investigates the agency of money transfer workers in navigating physical and symbolic borders, fostering community resistance, and facilitating pathways to financial inclusion. By rethinking the context of emerging professions, particularly in marginalised settings, this analysis offers new insights into how stigmatised labour can act as a transformative force. In doing so, it enriches the sociology of work by bridging the gap between stigmatised occupations and their potential to drive social and economic change.