EMERGENCY ADAPTATIONS AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: THE ROLE OF THE BARCELONA HOME CARE SERVICE WORKERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS (MARCH-MAY 2020)

This article analyzes the response of the Barcelona Home Care Service to the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, between March and May 2020. Through a systematic participant observation fieldwork, we show the decision-making process during the emergency for the protection of an essential service, focusing on the decisive contribution of female workers of immigrant origin to face unexpected difficulties. We highlight the opportunity of making the care economy visible and socially prestigious through practices such as the institution of a team spirit, the valuation of the workers' participation in decisions and their demonstrated capacity for adaptation, especially valued by the most vulnerable users.