Outsiders in the Family: Abuse of Migrant Domestic Workers in Taiwan

• Published in: Asian journal of women's studies Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 87 - 117
• Main Authors: Pan, Shu-Man, Yang, Jung-Tsung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Routledge 01.01.2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd; 아시아여성학센터
• Subjects: Criminal law; Deportation; Domestic violence; Employment; Females; Gender; gender politics; gender relations; Globalization; Households; Live-in domestic workers; Migration; patriarchal power; Politics; Working conditions; 여성학
• ISSN: 1225-9276; 2377-004X
• DOI: 10.1080/12259276.2012.11666123

This study examines violence against female migrant workers employed in Taiwanese households by using the feminist perspective of gender politics. Data from in-depth interviews with twelve live-in domestic workers and ten staff members from government and non-government organizations (NGOs) were examined to identify the dynamic of abuse faced by live-in domestic workers. The study results have shown that female migrant workers endure various forms of violence perpetrated by employers and their families. There is a lack of access to services for victims of domestic violence, therefore, migrant domestic workers are abused. The feminist perspective on gender politics in relation to domestic violence has to be re-evaluated in order to clarify how patriarchal power influences daily family relations through direct and indirect strategies.