Gender, Ageing, and Transnational Social Protection: The Case of Ukrainian Eldercare Workers in Italy

The present work delves into the complex connection between gender dynamics and transnational social protection, looking at the exemplary case of older Ukrainian eldercare workers women in Italy. The migration of eldercare workers from Ukraine to Italy began in the late 1990s. Since then, Ukrainian eldercare workers have been actively involved in transnational care practices to support their families. At the same time, they have become a crucial part of the workforce providing essential care for older people within the Italian welfare system. However, existing literature suggests that Ukrainian eldercare workers may have limited access to social protection, which could become even more challenging as they age in migration (Vianello and Escrivá, 2019). This study aims to shed light on how gender roles and expectations influence the experiences of migrant eldercare workers and their access to transnational social protection resources. It argues that gendered assumptions about care work within the Italian welfare system, compounded by the gendered responsibilities of Ukrainian eldercare workers towards their families in Ukraine, have a profound impact on their life trajectories. By drawing on a qualitative dataset collected in Italy between July 2023 and January 2024, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the underexplored topic of the aging experiences of migrant eldercare workers. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the complexities surrounding transnational social protection, transnational families, and gender dynamics urging for the need to address the challenges faced by migrant eldercare workers.