Liability of outsidership for highly skilled migrant females: a qualitative exploration of career struggles

Purpose This paper aims to examine the barriers encountered by female architects from developing countries as they attempt to enter and progress within the elite and creative architectural profession in the UK. This paper explores how intersecting identities shape their professional trajectories. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on qualitative data from 49 in-depth interviews with female migrant architects originating from developing countries (India, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan). Theoretically, it is informed by McCall’s construct of intracategorical complexity and the concept of the liability of outsidership (LOO), enabling a nuanced understanding of intersectional disadvantage. Findings The findings reveal that the intersectional interplay of gender, race and migrant status reinforces professional exclusion for female migrant architects. Complex credential recognition processes and the lack of UK-specific experience make entry into the profession particularly difficult. Furthermore, the devaluation of foreign-acquired skills and expertise – shaped by gendered, racialised and migration-related biases – constrains career development and limits access to meaningful opportunities. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the theoretical enrichment of intersectionality by applying it to an under-explored professional context. Future research could expand to other creative and highly skilled professions or compare experiences across developed host countries to deepen understanding of these barriers. Practical implications The paper calls for policy interventions to create clearer pathways for recognising foreign qualifications and professional experience. It also urges organisations to offer structured mentorship and sponsorship opportunities and to avoid privileging “localness” and “cultural fit” when assessing talent and allocating career opportunities. This will also have a positive influence on overall organisational effectiveness and performance. Originality/value This paper provides a rare intersectional analysis of migrant females’ experiences in the UK architectural profession. It offers fresh insights into how multiple identity-based disadvantages converge to shape professional exclusion, while highlighting actionable measures for policy and organisational change.