Youngchul JO
Dr. The Convergence Institute for Asian Multicultural Studies Inha University, South Korea
[email protected] Abstract
This study explores the establishment of life-worlds through economic adaptation and acculturation experience of marriage immigrant women residing in South Korea. The study examines the marriage immigrant women’s narratives related to their encounter with a husband, job experience, constraints disturbing economic adaptation and acculturation, and the effects of economic adaptation on the level of their acculturation in South Korea. For this, semi-structured interviews consisting of questions related to these issues were conducted on 15 Korean-Chinese women living in the metropolitan area. The findings represent that economic adaptation provides a culturally integrated environment where marriage immigrant women can smoothly begin the establishment of life-worlds in South Korea based on equal mutual relationships. In addition, economic adaptation and acculturation has social implications for marriage immigrant women to boost a sense of self-esteem. The study concludes with implications of the results for making better acculturation as well as economic adaptation experience for the establishment of life-worlds in Korea.
Keywords: Life-worlds, Economic adaptation, Acculturation, Chinese immigrant women, Chinese marriage immigrant Women
Introduction
The globalization trend of forming a glocal multicultural society is proceeding in the same way in Korean society, which is a social phenomenon that is happening due to transnational migration across countries. These transnational migrations are having a great impact on the regions and countries in which they are stationed, as well as the countries they have moved to and the world. Choi, Byung-Doo(2012) argues that various forms of transnational migration help the local economy by securing cheap labor. And transnational migration has a positive aspect because international marriage is mainly responsible for the reproduction of family members. There are, of course, various problems such as the improvement of treatment for foreign workers, educational alternatives for children of multicultural families, and the problem of unregistered foreigners.
The problem of migrants before the 1990s can be analyzed as a problem of social integration within the country be domiciled, apart from the sending country. But the problems of the migrants in the situation of transnational migration are socio-spatial It has complexity because it creates change. Choi, Byoung-Doo(2012) defines transnational migration as a process of ‘Glocalization' due to the development of traffic and communication technology and thus spatial and temporal compression, and thus it is understood as the formation of 'multicultural space' which has importance in spatial aspect. In a multicultural space formed through transnational migration, migrants commonly adapt to create a better life or create a new culture. Alba & Nee(2009) explains the intercultural adaptation in multicultural space as a process of breaking down the intercultural barriers by narrowing the gap and narrowing the gap. And the area of adaptation varies from culture, society and economy. Gordon(1964) talked about adaptation in cultural adaptation and structural adaptation. Structural adaptation refers to economic adaptation. Cultural adaptation and structural adaptation are correlated.
Transnational migration in Korean society is being caused by immigrants of various nationalities. According to the 2017 census data provided by the National Statistical Office, as of September 2017, out of the total 317,118 Korean nationals who are multicultural, there are 174,168 people who have Chinese nationality Which is more than three times larger than the 66,231 Vietnamese nationals with a lot of nationality. In addition, according to the Statistics on Immigrants' Employment Status and Employment Survey in 2017, 43.6% of immigrants were immigrants, followed by marriage immigrants(10.2%), and the proportion of migrant workers and marriage immigrants was over the majority. According to the statistics of foreigners staying in Korea by the Ministry of Justice in 2016, Chinese immigrants accounted for the largest percentage of Chinese immigrants(56,930) and women(45,301).
As such, the formation of a multicultural society in Korean society is dominated by Chinese immigrants, among which marriage immigrant women are the largest. However, marriage immigrant women have been experiencing difficulties in the settlement of the living world due to social structural problems such as human rights violation marriage, discrimination and prejudice of Korean society, status of residence and welfare(Kim, Tae-won, 2012;
The purpose of this study is to analyze the process of economic adaptation and acculturation of Chinese marriage immigrant women. The purpose of this study is to clarify the meaning and importance of economic adaptation and acculturation in the formation of multicultural living world of Chinese marriage immigrant women who occupy the highest share among various marriage immigrant women.
Theoretical Background
2.1 Chinese marriage immigrant women
In recent years, with the increasing trend of international marriage, the interest of marriage immigrant women is increasing. International marriage shows the phenomenon of 'feminization of international marriage' in that most of marriage between Korean man and foreign women takes place. In 2005, the 'marriage expense support project for farmers and fishermen', which was implemented by some local governments, was the beginning of the increase of marriage immigrant women. In 2007, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs International Marriage Support Project Report showed that about 2.9 billion international marriage support budgets were formed in 2007, and about 25% of the local governments conducted the project nationwide. As a result, marriage immigrant women increased explosively, however the Korean government has not prepared a social structural support policy for the increase of married migrant women. As a result, there have been cases of international marriage injuries close to human rights abuses(Lee, 2018).
In particular, Chinese marriage immigrant women who migrated to Korea since the Korea-China diplomatic tie-up in 1992 accounted for the largest number of marriage immigrant women. In spite of the large number of Chinese marriage migrants, Chinese marriage migrants experience confusion about their cultural values in their parents' and family relations as they try to learn and adapt to the cultures of their own and other cultures of Korea (Oh, Young-Hoon, 2014). In addition, conflicts arising from differences in lifestyles such as new culture and food, husband assault and abuse caused by the patriarchal and traditional Korean society, and discrimination and prejudice, which are underestimated as members of society, make it difficult for migrant women to adapt to Korean culture. In terms of culture, Chinese marriage immigrant women also recognize Korean culture positively, especially the filial duty, but negative perceptions of Koreans are causing conflicts. Furthermore, marriage immigrant women have few opportunities to learn about Korean culture, and there are few programs that can directly or indirectly experience their culture.
2.2 Economic adaptation and the acculturation 2.2.1 Economic adaptation
Gordon(1964) argues that immigrants are structurally adapted to mainstream society through social adaptation and economic adjustment. Most migrants seek to improve their quality of life and decide to move without special capital. Chinese marriage immigrant women often migrate to Korea for economic stability and a better life.
However, immigrants tend to underestimate their economic status and acquire a lower economic status than their actual capabilities(Basilio, Bauer, & Kramer, 2017; Borjas, 2006; Chiswick, 1978; Chiswick, Lee, & Miller, 2006).
Economic adaptation of marriage immigrant women is closely related to Korean social adjustment(Seol, Dong-Hoon, 2005). Seol, Dong-hoon(2005) said their employment status and household income level are indicators of economic adaptation. Therefore, economic adaptation of marriage immigrant women is an essential element in their stable formation of a living world in Korea.
2.2.2 The acculturation
Marriage immigrant women should adapt to Korean culture, society, and economy (Lee, 2018). Alba & Nee (2009) defines the acculturation is a process of change that narrows the gap between cultural boundaries through continuous contact of people with diverse cultural backgrounds. In other words, the acculturation of marriage immigrant women is a process of narrowing the gap between their own culture and Korean culture. Redfield, Linton, & Herskovits(1936) have suggested that the acculturation plays a major role in bringing about changes in the cultural practices, institutions, and structures of society. Through intercultural contacts, people experience the process of cultural adaptation, in which they experience emotional, behavioral, and cognitive change (Sam &
Berry, 2010; Ward et al., 2001). Berry(2005) classified the acculturation types into types of integration, assimilation, separation, and state change.
Therefore, in order to reduce the aculturation stress of marriage immigrant women and make them well settled in Korean society for the transition to the just multicultural society in Korea, an alternative to the assimilationist social integration policy is needed.
Research Method
3.1 Collecting research participants and data
For this study, I conducted in - depth interviews with four research participants of marriage immigrant women.
The characteristics of the study participants are as follows.
<Table 1> Characteristics of participants
Research participants Age Nationality Academic background Job Residence period(year) Research participants 1 39 Korean University Graduate Office worker 10 Research participants 2 47 Korean University Graduate Non-employed 14 Research participants 3 40 Korean University Graduate professionals 16 Research participants 4 40 Korean University Graduate professionals 10
The research participants are Chinese marriage immigrant women who have acquired Korean nationality, and their academic backgrounds are all university graduates. And their job is different. Most of them came to Korea in the late 20s and early 30s and had a unique cultural identity in China. They lived in Korea for over 10 years. They had various marriage experiences, experience of acculturation stress, experience of economic status change. Therefore, it is considered that the composition of these research participants will be easy to analyze how the experiences of acculturation and economic adaptation of Chinese marriage immigrants women influence the formation of the living world and the relationship between them.
In-depth interviews with participants were conducted between October 2017 and February 2018. And interviews took more than 60 minutes for each individual. The questions were about their marriage experience, acculturation experience, and economic adaptation experience. Before the interview, the purpose of the study and the rights of the participants were discussed with them. I also recorded the results after obtaining consent for the recording. I asked the participants to review the recordings for transcription and modification. All the parts that required revision were revised.
3.2 Method for research
This study was conducted by narrative inquiry method to explore the experiences of acculturation and economic adaptation of Chinese marriage immigrant women. Narrative inquiry is one of the most appropriate method to explore the life, experience, and implications of the individual.
This research is based on the six procedures of Creswell(2013) proposed narrative inquiry: ① Examining narrative inquiry as a research method, ② Selecting participant(s), ③ Considering data collection methods, ④ Collecting contextual information, ⑤ Analyzing data And ⑥ Involving participants(Creswell, 2013: 73-75).
Results
This study examined the process of marriage immigrant women's migration to Korea, marriage motivation and life, the experience of acculturation and economic adaptation after migration, and the process of change of the living world based on in - depth interviews with Chinese marriage immigrant women. The effects of acculturation and economic adaptation on the formation of marriage immigrant women 's living world and the relationship between acculturation and economic adaptation were analyzed.
4.1 International Marriage and Migration to Korea: Pursuing a Better Life
All of the participants selected international marriage at the age of their late 20s and moved to Korea. Compared to modern Korean society women, they decided to marry at a relatively young age and move to another country.
The biggest reason for their marriage was economic reasons and pursuit of a better life. But all of them were based on the premise of love. Everyone said that the biggest cause was improvement in economic condition and quality of life, but they would not have been married if there was no love.
In the case of research participant 1, when they decided to marry, their parents actively encouraged them. But when her daughter was about to leave, her parents stopped her daughter's marriage to another country for reasons such as discrimination and prejudice against married immigrant women.
“Korea is still a new country. I can live a lot better than I live and make a lot of money. I did not have much work to do (in China) even though I graduated university. At that time, I wanted to meet a man like the protagonist of the Full House drama that was airing in Korea.” (Research participant 3)
“I know Full House. I thought a Korean man had many such men. I do not think that now ... but I was sure that if I came to Korea, I would be able to live better. I wanted to make a lot of money and help my parents(Research participant 4)
The fictional story of the drama has been a positive migration factor for Korea to married immigrant women. But finding a professional job rather than being a heroine in the drama was the biggest factor in choosing to marry Korean men and move to Korea.
4.2 Changes in the world of life due to economic status: Rising self-esteem
All married immigrant women were women with pride as elites. However, in a situation where it is difficult to live
difficulties from the beginning.
“I thought it would be all right if I came to Korea. But it was not. At first, I only had to live with the cost of living for my husband. Despite graduating from college, I could not get a job.”(Research participant 1)
“As soon as I came to Korea, I was going to work. But I could not get a job because of lack of Korean ability.”
(Research participant 2)
The marriage migrant women resumed their jobs after they moved to Korea. However, the reality of Korea did not respond to them. They had to face discrimination and prejudice against China, beginning with language barriers.
All of them were able to have a job three to five years after moving to Korea.
Since then, marriage immigrant women have improved their Korean language skills and got a job. And self-esteem has improved since they got a job.
“I was really happy when I received my first paycheck. Although the salary was small, it seemed to be recognized.”(Research participant 4)
“When I got a job, I thought I was treated as a human being. At last I could live dignifiedly.”(Research participant 2)
Marriage immigrant women have started to feel proud as a member of society since they got a job. Again, they were able to get out of the house with courage again for their self-deprecated self. The job was to prove their ability to live a dignified social life. Since then, they have been able to live a family life in the same position as their husbands.
4.3 Change of Living World by Cultural Adaptation: Rise of Self-Efficacy
Marriage immigrant women have suffered cultural conflicts because of unfamiliar Korean culture and prejudice.
“What's so different. When I first came to Korea, I could not eat Korean food.”(Research participant 1)
“I could hardly adapt to Korean food. It was really hard. I was especially hard to eat the sashimi.”(Research participant 4)
In the early 2000s, Korea's perception of multiculturalism was extremely low. In addition, discrimination and prejudice against women who migrated from China at that time was serious. Koreans had a prejudice that Chinese immigrant women were ignorant and poor. Marriage immigrant women have suffered cultural conflicts because of this discrimination and prejudice. Even one research participant thought to divorce. Despite these discrimination and prejudice, they tried to adapt to Korean culture, and now, ten years later, they are dignified Koreans.
Most of the married immigrant women in this study chose to assimilate into Korean culture by abandoning their cultural identity as Chinese. This is due to the perception of the stereotypical multiculturalism of Korean society that is still prevalent. Chinese marriage immigrant women are abandoning their Chinese cultural identity and living with a new Korean cultural identity.
4.4 The relationship between economic adaptation and acculturation: Separately and together
Marriage immigrant women were able to get an opportunity to communicate with Korean society through the act of employment. Marriage migrant women understand Korean language, culture, society, economy, and political structure through their work life, and experience cultural adaptation in particular.
“I have come to understand Korean people very well from my work. I learned a lot about Korean culture through talking with a lot of Koreans at work and eating rice.”(Research participant 3)
In addition, marriage immigrant women were hard to find jobs due to strangeness and difficulties in Korean culture such as language barriers, family life culture, and workplace culture. And, even after seeking a job, they had difficulty in working because of differences with Korean culture.
“I was more unfamiliar with Korea because of my lack of Korean language skills.”(Research participant 2)
“I fell out of the interview because I could not speak Korean. It was more difficult to adapt to Korean culture than to learn work at workplace.”(Research participant 3)
In this way, economic adaptation and acculturation for marriage immigrant women were also different phases, and they had a deep correlation and system. For marriage immigrant women, social participation in economic activities has been a positive reinforcing factor for cultural adaptation. In other words, for marriage immigrant women, economic adaptation affects the acculturation, and conversely the acculturation affects economic adaptation.
Conclusions
The purpose of this study is to analyze the process and relationship between the economic adaptation and acculturation of marriage immigrant women. internationally married immigrant women. The results were classified into two parts. First, what are the
community activities of married immigrant Korean women. Second, What is the meaning of global citizenship in their community activities.
As a result, based on the narrative of Chinese marriage immigrant women, first, they showed different acculturation patterns according to the degree of integration with Korea's mainstream socioeconomic structure. Second, the level of acculturation was influencing their stable formation of the living world. Third, the role of family(husband, etc.), community, and government in economic adaptation and acculturation of their socioeconomic structure was important. Fourth, Korean people 's low perception, discrimination and prejudice made it difficult for married immigrant women to adjust to their economic adaptation and acculturation.
Therefore, economic adaptation and acculturation of marriage immigrant women should be treated together for social integration policy. This is because economic adaptation and acculturation of marriage immigrant women are necessary and sufficient conditions.
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