The Other Side of the Mirror: An Analytic Journalistic Approach to the Subjective Well-Being of Filipino Women Migrant Workers in Japan

Abstract

In its political structural reform, the Japanese government presents the urgency to consider an increase in labor mobility that includes the issue of immigration to Japan. Women from Southeast Asia represent a large proportion of this immigration. The aim of this case study was to identify factors associated with subjective well-being (SWB) among Filipino women migrant workers in Tokyo, Japan. The study used an analytic journalistic approach. A focus group interview was conducted with three women and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Communication, support network, faith, and sense of identity were identified as the main factors contributing to SWB among these women. In conclusion, the feminization of migration will continue; therefore, better understanding about the factors associated to SWB is needed to ease the impact of migration on home and host countries.

Mental well-being of international migrants to Japan: a systematic review

“…Previous migration studies have noted that female migrants experience significantly poorer mental well-being than the indigenous population 76. Additionally, several studies on Filipino, Brazilian and Muslim migrants established religiosity as a strong facilitator of mental well-being 32 41 43. Cultural identity and religiosity as facilitators of mental well-being are consistent with previous research on cultural identity and religious beliefs among migrants 77…”

“…Eleven studies exclusively examined migrant workers30–36 and four studies were on the mental well-being of economic partnership agreement care workers specifically 37–40. Two studies enrolled non-pregnant migrants41 42 and eight exclusively analysed mothers 43–50. The remaining nine studies were of general migrant populations of a single (n=5) or various (n=4) nationalities 51–59.…”

“…These two concepts were mentioned 25 times as statistically significant outcomes. Some examples of such support were: in work or daily life,18 38 living with family versus living alone,43 60 connecting with friends48 69 or maintaining connections with the migrant community 41. Occupational factors such as job satisfaction were noted nine times.…”

Heritage Culture Detachment Predicts Hope and Well-Being of Filipino Migrant Workers: A Study of Low- and Semi-skilled Filipino Workers in Macau

“…Studies of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong, for example, point to social networks and employer support as sources of health and well-being (Pioccos et al, 2021 ) and related to positive character strengths (Nalipay et al, 2021 ). Similar observations of social network support were shared by Filipino migrant workers in Japan (Ohara-Hirano, 2000 ; Paillard-Borg & Hallberg, 2018 ) and Australia (Maneze et al, 2016 ). However, social network support may not be sufficient to buffer the effects of stress among Filipino migrant workers.…”

The Subjective Well-being Policy: Case Studies and Its Relevance in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…America consider satisfaction in kinship regarding the government's policy as the wellbeing standard [26]. In Japan, the authority measured people's well-being by means of communication, networking support, beliefs, and identity among women in the policy of migration case reduction [33]. While England focuses on the early prevention of juvenile misconduct [47], Australia emphasizes occupancy policy as the standard of wellbeing [33].…”