Ethnic Minority Workers, Boarding Houses, and Landlords: An Understudied Research Topic

Abstract

The relationship between ethnic minority workers and boarding house landlords in industrial zones plays a crucial role in the lives of these migrant laborers but remains understudied. Drawing on a literature review and field data collected in Bac Ninh in 2024, this study sheds light on the dual nature of this relationship: landlords both support workers by reducing rent and assisting during hardships, while also exploiting them economically and imposing cultural norms. Although finding boarding houses has become easier due to improved information networks, ethnic minority workers continue to live in low-quality conditions, which hinders their ability to accumulate social capital and integrate into urban areas. The article suggests further research directions on this topic to provide a scientific basis for policy solutions aimed at improving the lives of migrant workers and promoting sustainable urbanization.