Influence of social structures on transnational migration duration: the case of Vietnamese contract workers returning from Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Quynh Phuong ◽  
Sundar Venkatesh
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Transnational Migration ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Family Obligations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contract Workers ◽  
Vietnamese Women ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeLimited previous studies about Vietnamese returned migrant workers reviewed that a relatively high rate of migrants returned home before their contract ended. This paper aims to explore how the decisions to return were made under social lenses.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses data obtained through in-depth interviews of contract workers who had worked in Taiwan with a focus on Phu Tho province in Vietnam.FindingsThe authors followed O’Reilly’s (2012) adaption of Practice theory in migration research to examine a group of Vietnamese labour migrants returning from Taiwan. Under this theory, external and internal structures are the two divisions of the social environment. The authors identified external structures that might enable or constraint migrant’s mobility. When negotiating internal structures, Vietnamese women might end their contract early in response to family obligations.Originality/valueThe findings provide insights into how women make their decisions when to return, which may contribute to a better understanding of how to assist women engaged in transnational labour migration.

Ritual as assemblage: feast of sacrifice experiences of Turkish consumers

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 476-494
Author(s):  
Ömer Torlak ◽  
Müjdat Özmen ◽  
Muhammet Ali Tiltay ◽  
Mahmut Sami İşlek ◽  
Ufuk Ay
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Assemblage Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Religious Rituals ◽  
The Social ◽  
Human Actors ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to theorize and empirically investigate the formation of consumer’s consumption ritual experiences and discourses associated with Feast of Sacrifice. Design/methodology/approach The authors have approached the data from assemblage theory perspective. By use of ethnographic participant observation and in-depth interviews, seven themes are uncovered and discussed: meaning of Qurban, preparation of the ritual, Qurban choice, meat, Qurban ritual, marketplace and framing of discourses. Findings This study provides a theoretical development in which it depicts that assemblage theory can be used in the context of religious rituals such as the Feast of Sacrifice. This suggests that parts forming the social phenomena include different meanings and functions in different assemblages to the ritual, which has a structure with a particular process, roles and content scenario. This implies that even the most structured social phenomena as religious rituals can be accepted as social assemblage where every individual experiences his/her own ritual with the parts that have ever-changing material and expressive roles. Originality/value This study will contribute to the literature on religious rituals and practices through viewing ritual as an assemblage including material and expressive features as well as human and non-human actors. Besides, this study aims to find out whether there is a constant consumer and the concept of ritual by focusing on buying experiences of consumer in Feast of Sacrifice in Turkey.

Practising conviviality: social uses of ethnic cuisine in an Asian multicultural environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 564-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katayoun Zafari ◽  
Gareth Allison ◽  
Catherine Demangeot
Keyword(s):  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Everyday Practice ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multicultural Environment ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multicultural Context ◽  
Single Block ◽  
Social Uses ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – This paper aims to understand the social dynamics surrounding the consumption of non-native, ethnic cuisines in the multicultural context of an Asian city. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 21 culturally diverse residents of Dubai. Data were analysed inductively, leading to the emergence of three themes characterising social dynamics underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in an Asian multicultural environment. Findings – Three types of social dynamics were identified: instrumental uses, expressive uses and conviviality considerations. Research limitations/implications – The study suggests that the different types of cultural dynamics at play have different roles; some act as influencing or constraining factors in the everyday practice of multicultural consumption, whereas others are used more proactively as enablers. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the authors’ understanding of how people “practice conviviality” in multicultural marketplaces, providing insights into the complex social dynamics, underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in multicultural marketplaces. Although the consumer literature on food and cuisines has acknowledged the social influences surrounding cuisines and food consumption, these have typically been viewed in a single block. This study shows the importance of conviviality considerations in non-native cuisine consumption. Further, the paper shows that the consumption of non-native cuisines is an everyday practice in a multicultural context, which is used with varying degrees of proactiveness for social lubrication and multicultural socialisation.

Rural to urban migrant workers in China: challenges of risks and rights

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Bo Yang ◽  
Daniel Zhang Qu
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Equal Rights ◽  
Community Resource ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
New Generation

PurposeThe rapid urbanization of China brings in large number of migrant workers coming from rural areas. With the perspective of social integration, this study reviews the findings about economic livelihood, social integration and health related to migrant workers since China initiated economic reform. We show that (1) though the economic wellbeing of migrant workers has been improved significantly after they moved to cities, their economic standing is still lower than local residents; (2) though there is progress of social integration between migrant workers and local residents, conflicts and challenges due to the competitions in employment and the sharing of community resource are still commonly found; (3) the disadvantaged status of health is very common among migrant workers and (4) women and the new generation in migration have more disadvantages in the social transition. We suggest that issues of equal rights between migrant workers and local residents should be discussed in the future as more migrant workers intend to stay in cities for long-term.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is literature reviews based on the current studies about migrant, migration and policy. The first category of literature is the research field on China's migration and urbanization to describe the whole context of migrant workers. The second is research field on detailed issues about migrant workers and the last field is policy issues about the welfare and needs among migrant workers.FindingsWe find that (1) though the economic wellbeing of migrant workers has been improved significantly after they moved to cities, their economic standing is still lower than local residents; (2) though there are progress of social integration between migrant workers and local residents, conflicts and challenges due to the competitions in employment and the sharing of community resource are still commonly found; (3) the disadvantaged status of health is very common among migrant workers and (4) women and the new generation in migration face more disadvantages in the social transition.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations in the current research: (1) the review focuses on the majority of migrant workers to reveal the general picture about the living, developing and rights among migrant workers, but is still lacking in dealing with some special and disadvantaged groups. (2) More international issues related to migrant workers should be discussed in the future considering that China's labor market is becoming more and more global.Social implicationsFirst, the conclusion about the economic and social integration among migrant workers indicates that more equal welfare services, including resident services, commence services, medical services etc. should be included in the municipal managements considering that Chinese cities will be the combination of local residents and migrant residents. Second, the conclusion about the women and children indicates that the future public services targeted at the disadvantaged population should focus on migrant members due to the second generation of migrant workers will be one of the mainstream population in future China's cities.Originality/valueThis study gives general views on migrant workers in current China. The findings in this review conclude the main development and improvements among tens of millions of migrant workers in Chinese cities. Meanwhile, we also conclude that there are still many disadvantaged and marginalized sub-groups in migration who are suffering from less welfares and rights in urban lives. More detailed and equal rights and public services should be considered and implemented in the fast urbanization taking place.

Exploring backpackers’ perceptions of the hostel service quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1839-1855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Brochado ◽  
Paulo Rita ◽  
Carlos Gameiro
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of backpackers’s evaluation of service quality provided by hostels by developing a battery of items to assess perceptions of the overall hostel experience. Design/methodology/approach – Scale development took a mixed approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research. First, the authors performed a content analysis of reviews provided by guests in hostel booking web sites, in-depth interviews with hostel managers and focus groups with guests, to develop a battery of items to assess the hostel experience from the guests’ perspective. Then, a quantitative survey (n = 222) was conducted, to explore the dimensionality of service quality in this sector. Lisbon hostels are the target of this study, as they received several awards based on the online reviews of backpackers. Findings – The results revealed that service quality is a multidimensional concept and includes six dimensions, namely, social atmosphere, location and city connection, staff, cleanliness, security and facilities. Regression results revealed that the social atmosphere appears to be a core service dimension crucial to create a sense of hostel guest’s overall quality. Originality/value – The findings suggest that service quality scales should incorporate the specific characteristics of the hotel industry. The quality of the staff and the social atmosphere are of utmost importance to enhance the hostel backpacker experience.

Multi-ethnic Macao: from global village to migrant metropolis

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-160
Author(s):  
Cathryn H. Clayton
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Transnational Migration ◽  
Migrant Labor ◽  
Global Village ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Engagement ◽  
Ethnic Category ◽  
Policy Statements

Purpose In the past 20 years, Macao has experienced phenomenal economic growth driven by the liberalization of its casino sector. This growth has been enabled by massive influxes of foreign capital and migrant labor that have dramatically altered the city’s ethnic landscape. In this paper, the author examines the demographic changes Macao has experienced as a result of the casino boom, and situates the city’s current economic growth and ethnic diversification within its long history as a multi-ethnic city. Design/methodology/approach Building on Nancy Foner’s notion of “contexts of settlement,” the study draws on census materials, policy statements, newspaper articles and ethnographic materials to examine how changing ideologies of globalization help shape the categories through which ethnic diversity itself is conceptualized. Findings The paper has three main findings. First, despite the Macao government’s multicultural rhetoric, its labor and residency policies that prevent migrant workers from settling in Macao may paradoxically serve to maintain the ethnic status quo ante. Second, the new contexts of settlement engendered by Macao’s casino globalization may be amplifying fissures within the ethnic category “Chinese.” And third, discourses of globalization, regulations on immigration, and classificatory systems governing ethnic diversity that were instituted under Portuguese rule have both helped shape these new contexts and been reworked in the process. Originality/value As the processes of urbanization, economic integration and transnational migration continue to accelerate throughout East Asia, the goal of creating inclusive, equitable multi-ethnic urban societies will require closer examination of the relationship between particular modes and ideologies of “global” engagement, patterns of and policies toward migration and the concepts and categories through which diversity is measured. This approach to understanding multi-ethnic Macao may serve as an example.

Middle East socioeconomic trajectories are negative

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Opportunities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
Fuel Costs

Subject Lower global oil prices contributing to new tensions in both oil-producing and oil-importing countries. Significance Rapid population growth in most Arab countries has resulted in a youth bulge and higher unemployment. Oil producers face an extended period of low global prices, forcing them to cut costs. However, reduced subsidies on basic services risk breaching the social contract by which these governments maintain stability with limited representation. Net energy importers, while benefiting from lower fuel costs, are also struggling to compensate for declining remittances and to create new job opportunities as migrant workers return from the cash-strapped Gulf. Impacts Long-term unemployment and economic crises will increase the flow of migrants to Europe. Fragmentation and ungoverned spaces in Yemen and elsewhere will provide more space for jihadi groups to operate. US withdrawal could give Russia opportunities to expand its regional influence.

Perspectives on social impact measurement and non-profit organisations

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Jay Polonsky ◽  
Stacy Landreth Grau ◽  
Sharyn McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
True Value ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – Acknowledgement of the social impact created by organisations has become an increasingly frequent discussion among practitioners. The importance of such value creation cannot be understated, yet in an increasingly competitive funding environment, the need to articulate “true” value is paramount. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Australian and US managers of non-profit organisations (NPOs) and foundations view the measurement of the social impact of NPOs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper includes 19 in-depth interviews of non-profit professionals in the USA and Australia. Respondents included non-profit managers, foundation managers and consultants in both countries. Findings – The in-depth interviews found that in both countries respondents generally agreed that objective measures of impact are desirable, but recognised the difficulties in developing objective assessment frameworks enabling comparisons across the non-profit sector. These difficulties, as well as the implications for developing assessments of social value for NPOs, are discussed. This paper demonstrates that there is an opportunity to reposition reporting expectations. The NPO sector can pool together and build on each other’s strengths and market their outcomes as a collective entity. A sector-wide approach provides potential for much needed within-sector mentoring and will showcase the rich and varied outcomes generated by NPOs. Originality/value – This research compares viewpoints in two Western countries, thus offering at least an exploratory examination of social impact assessment from an international perspective. Additionally, this research shows commonalities in terms of what is valued and what is most difficult for non-profits when determining social impact.

“The totality of caring”

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 699-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borbála Kovács
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Extensive Body ◽  
Temporal Dimensions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to formulate a conceptually and empirically grounded new understanding of childcare arrangements for cross-national and longitudinal micro-level empirical research by drawing on theoretical discussions about the social, spatial and temporal dimensions of embodied childcare and empirical data in the form of parental narratives from a Romanian qualitative study. Design/methodology/approach – The paper builds on a critique of an extensive body of empirical literature on the micro-level organisation of childcare and the thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with Romanian parents. The paper combines a critical literature review with findings from a qualitative study on childcare. Findings – The paper formulates a new understanding of household-level childcare arrangements that is context-insensitive, yet reflects the social, spatial and temporal concerns that the organisation of embodied childcare often raises. The paper expands on six real-life care arrangements in Romanian households represented as different combinations of care encounters. Research limitations/implications – As the paper draws on parental narratives from a single country, Romania, the mapping of childcare arrangements in other jurisdictions and/or at different times would strengthen the case for the proposed understanding of care arrangements as a valuable tool to represent, compareand contrast household-level care routines. Originality/value – The idea that parents (especially mothers) make work-care decisions in the light of what is best for their child has been widely documented. However, taxonomies of care arrangements have failed to reflect this. The proposed conceptualisation of childcare arrangements addresses this issue by articulating a conceptually coherent approach to developing empirically grounded childcare typologies that “travel well” cross-nationally and over time.

scholarly journals A Sociological Analysis of the Utilization of Social Media in Women Migrant Workers in Developing Social Entrepreneurship

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 4661-4666
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Sociological Analysis ◽  
Marginal Group ◽  
The Social ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Female Migrant

The purpose of this study was to sociologically analyze the use of social media in female migrant workers in the development of social entrepreneurship. The study used a qualitative approach with a mixed method. Data was taken using in-depth interviews, observations, FGDs, and full survey enumerators. This study shows that the more frequent the intensity of migrating abroad, the higher the income (economic remittances) and social remittances (knowledge and experience) will be. Van Dijk (2006) stated that digital social media is able to penetrate the social structures that exist in society. The results of this study reveal the same phenomenon as Van Dijk's theory, female migrant workers who were previously considered a marginal group was able to create social networks through social media for the development of social entrepreneurship. The results of this study revealed a different phenomenon from the theory from Massey (1990) which stated that international migration will take place continuously (cumulative causation). This was because there have been developments of social entrepreneurship supported by social media, providing alternative jobs in the workers' hometowns.

Effects of show windows on female consumers’ shopping behaviour

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 380-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varsha Jain ◽  
Mika Takayanagi ◽  
Edward Carl Malthouse
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Department Stores ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
Shopping Behaviour ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this study if to investigate the effects of show windows on shopping behaviour among female consumers to provide insights that a manager can use to encourage purchase behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of 20 in-depth interviews, we developed a survey, which we administered to female consumers (n = 209). The survey was based on a stimulus–organism–response framework. Each respondent was exposed to an image of a show window (images were taken from apparel departments of well-known department stores) and rated her perceptions of the window and intentions to purchase items sold in the store. Findings – Using factor analysis, we identify five components of the show window: social, hedonic, informational, image and “feel-good” factors. The first four factors are aggregated into a “show window” metric, which is shown to influence purchase intentions; this influence is fully mediated by the feel-good factor. The image factor and the social and hedonic factors each significantly influence the feel-good factor. Practical implications – When developing show windows, brand managers should aim to touch on all factors of the show window to make shoppers “feel good”; these positive feelings might intensify shoppers’ purchase intentions. Originality/value – This study identifies five factors that make up consumers’ perceptions of show windows. It shows that exposure to a show window affects consumers’ purchase intentions, and that this influence is determined primarily by the extent to which consumers “feel good” about the store.

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