Filipino women domestics on an international economic mission: A multi method, data-mining study
Item
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Title
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Filipino women domestics on an international economic mission: A multi method, data-mining study
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:411c129568f9:10811
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identifier
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11010
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Creator
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Ragudaran, Sanjana,
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Contributor
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Irwin Epstein
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Date
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2011
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social work | Social research | Womens studies | Domestic Work Experience | Filipino Women | Return Intentions
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Abstract
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This dissertation explored factors contributing towards intentions of return migration of female Filipino domestic workers. Based on available data, I also addressed the reason for migration, individuals' domestic work experiences in the United States and their connection to the homeland during their absence. This was a multi methods study with a combination of Clinical Data Mining and Secondary Analysis in which the data was made available by The Urban Justice Center and Damayan Migrant Workers Association. This study drew from 182 self-administered survey respondents, 22 individual interviews and 4 focus groups of female Filipino domestic workers. In the research, convenience, snowball and purposeful sampling as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis were employed.;Findings from the survey data revealed that over half (N=110, 63.9%) of these women migrated primarily for financial reasons, to support their families. Majority (N=132, 74.6%) entered the United States with a Tourist Visa and many (N=96, 61.5%) reported having no legal status. Their lives in the United States have been challenging as domestic work is unregulated and therefore, women had negative experiences. In addition to an unfulfilling job, women maintained minimalist lives and shared accommodation. By doing so, 93 (65%) remitted 30% or more of their income. During their time away from home, women also spoke of the negative impact their absence has had on themselves and their loved ones.;When discussing return intentions, 99 (59.6%) women reported wanting to return. Seventeen of twenty-two (77.3%) individual interviewees and 29 (93.5%) Focus Group participants indicated that they had return intentions. Due to the multi-methods nature of this study, I did not draw my conclusions solely from the quantitative data. The qualitative data revealed that although they seemed to initially be "target" migrants, despite their return intentions many continued to work as domestic workers solely because there was a continuing need to support their families financially. The "dream" of return at retirement was echoed in qualitative data where women spoke regretfully about working until they could work no more. I conclude this study with a discussion on policy, service and future research implications.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Social Welfare
