Socioeconomic Factors and Migration's Role in Modern Labor Markets through the Play of Marie Ndiaye

Abstract

This research paper explores the issue of unemployment among diasporic communities living in France, with a particular focus on how migration influences contemporary work environments. Through a close reading of Marie NDiaye’s plays Papa doit manger (Papa Must Eat) and Hilda, the paper examines how literature reflects and critiques the socio-economic realities faced by marginalized groups in society. These plays serve as powerful narratives that expose the emotional, psychological, and structural challenges experienced by immigrants and their families. In Papa doit manger, NDiaye portrays the fragmentation of a family under the pressure of poverty and displacement. The play highlights how economic hardship often leads to family breakdowns, abandonment, and an inability to maintain familial responsibilities. Themes such as postcolonial identity, systemic racism, and unequal access to employment opportunities are interwoven into the characters’ experiences, offering a critique of the persistent inequalities faced by immigrants in French society. Hilda, on the other hand, presents a more symbolic and psychological exploration of inequality. The protagonist, Hilda, never appears on stage, which emphasizes her objectification and the erasure of her agency. The absence of the main character underscores the dehumanization that can occur under rigid social hierarchies and unequal labour systems. The play invites the audience to consider how strict societal expectations and discriminatory treatment affect workers, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Both plays reveal that unemployment among immigrants is not simply a matter of economic deprivation, but a reflection of deeper systemic issues including social exclusion, power imbalance, and cultural marginalization. The analysis argues for the necessity of rethinking employment policies and frameworks in France to promote fairness and inclusivity. Ultimately, the paper highlights how literature can be a critical tool for understanding and challenging the socio-political conditions that contribute to unemployment and marginalization in diasporic communities.