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Foreign Domestic Workers In Hong Kong: Can Empowerment Break The Commodification Of A Workforce?

Foreign Domestic Workers In Hong Kong: Can Empowerment Break The Commodification Of A Workforce?

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by IDWFED published Oct 11, 2017 12:00 AM
Contributors: Thomas Lowe
The aim of this dissertation is to understand how exclusion and exploitation disempower Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong. Furthermore it aims to show how empowerment organisations and charities can empower the FDW. The final aim is to discuss whether the effort of empowerment organisations and charities actually makes a real difference to the lives of FDWs.

Resource Type

Research reports, working paper

Details

Research report by Thomas Lowe

The following research questions will help to understand the dilemmas facing FDWs in Hong Kong:

The aim of these research questions is to create a clear narrative for discussion. These questions lead onto each other succinctly.

1. To what extent do the issues facing Foreign Domestic Workers undermine their sense of belonging in Hong Kong?

2. How do empowerment projects make a difference to FDWs livelihoods and the issues they face in Hong Kong?

3. Can the issues faced be resolved by the efforts of FDW organisations and charities, or have these issues become a norm and, to a degree necessity in Hong Kong society?

  • The first question looks at the issues faced by FDWs. These are numerous and therefore only a few key issues will be discussed.
  • The second question looks at the empowerment projects and other organisations that work towards changing the livelihoods of FDWs. It must be noted that these organisations don’t necessarily aim to change policy in Hong Kong, but to affect change in the FDWs everyday lives and create confidence in themselves.
  • The final question then looks at whether this can make a difference in Hong Kong and resolve the issues faced.

Table of Contents

1.

Abstract

 

2.

Acknowledgments

 

3.

Figures

 

4.

Introduction

 

5.

Literature
Review

5.1. Outside the Bubble: Exclusion Otherness and Sense of Belonging
5.2. A Vicious Cycle: How Exclusion Fosters Exploitation
5.3. Social Capital: The Driving Force behind Feelings of Belonging
5.4. An Insight into Empowerment: How the Disempowered Become Empowered
5.5. To Sum Up

6.

Methodology

6.1. Interviews
6.2. Ethnography
6.3. Photography & Textual Analysis
6.4. The Researchers Positionality and Consideration of Ethics
6.5. Concluding Remarks

7.

Analysis
&
Discussion

7.1. To what extent do the issues facing Foreign Domestic Workers undermine their Sense of
Belonging in Hong Kong?

7.1.1. The Right to Abode
7.1.2. The Live in Rule
7.1.3. Feelings of Inclusion

7.2. How do Empowerment Projects make a Difference to FDWs Livelihoods and
the Issues They face in Hong Kong?

7.2.1. Education & Awareness: TCKLC & DWEP
7.2.2. A Different Kind of Empowerment: Splash & Lensational
7.2.3. Afterwork Readings: A Product of Empowerment

7.3. Can the Issues Faced be Resolved by the Efforts of FDW Organisations, or have these Issues
Become a Norm and, to a Degree Necessity in Hong Kong Society?

7.3.1. Final Thoughts

8.

Conclusion

 

9.

Bibliography

 

10.

Appendices

 

Contents

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