Negotiating Differences in Elderly Care Institutions : Filipino and Indonesian Trainees in Japan

Abstract

This paper reflects on the findings of a study that examined the negotiation strategies employed by Filipino and Indonesian caregivers in addressing the challenges encountered as caregivers in Japan. A total of twenty caregivers have been interviewed, eleven were from Indonesia, and the remaining nine were from the Philippines. Results reveal that the challenges these caregivers experienced can be rooted to cultural and linguistic and status differentials (being a migrant and a trainee). To manage these differences, caregivers employ negotiation strategies. Negotiating differences requires the presentation of the Self in a likable manner to achieve relational goals. The cultural underpinnings of caregiving led Filipino and Indonesian caregivers view their work positively, thus, device self-negotiation strategies. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge regarding social work in the context of migration, and how economic disparities between host and sending countries recast caregiving work.

Presenters

Melvin Jabar
Professor, Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University , Cavite, Philippines

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging

KEYWORDS

Filipino Caregivers, Indonesian Caregivers, EPA, Negotiating Differences, Japan