Utilizing the Social Capital of Indonesian Migrant Live-in Care Workers as Survival Strategies Overseas for the Family Well-Being Back Home: How Does It Work?

Abstract

Indonesian migrant live-in care workers (LCWs) in Taiwan to be ready for unforeseen challenges. These workers lack legal protections under migrant worker regulations, so they must develop strategies to meet their migration expectations. One such strategy is using social capital, which helps them reduce costs and risks while increasing the benefits of migration through their social relations. This essay aims to illustrate how LCWs utilize their social capital as survival strategies. The results contribute to research on social capital and migration by focusing on a gendered perspective, emphasizing women as the primary actors. This study employs an interactive methodology, conducting thorough investigations and collecting data directly from informants in their natural environment. The analysis used an interactive data analysis method that involves simultaneous analysis and data collection. These findings show that LCWs in Taiwan use social capital as a survival strategy in the form of social support, emotional support, and financial support.