Filipino Families in Diaspora: Family Communication, Personal Aspiration and Shared Vision
Author Name
CRISTINA M. SIGNO
Author Address
Campus Dean, Cavite State University, Philippines, E-mail:
[email protected]
Keywords
Diaspora. Family, Migration,Family Communication, Technology, Interaction Patterns, Convergence
Abstract
This study looked at how family communication -in the context of migration- from message exchanges using various available communication technologies to role-relationships and patterns of interaction among family members- has been used as a means for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to have their personal aspirations of working abroad become a shared familial vision.
Specifically, the study focused on howthe migrant workers convinced his/her immediate family members to accept the personal aspiration as familial vision. It uncovered the family constructions regarding labor migration; described the social and technological communication environment of the OFW and her/his family; discovered the emerging communication interaction patterns of the OFW family and revealed how family relationships influence the family acceptance of personal aspiration.In-depth interviews through on-line and phone interviews were conducted among OFWs and left-behinds from the five common job categories from POEA and NSO websites.The desire to work overseas to improve familial condition is a common aspiration among OFW family members. The perceived benefits and costs of labor migration, husband’s and wife’s predisposition to labor migration, patterns of family interaction , and quality of message exchanges among family members are some of the factors affecting convergence. The communication environment of selected families include social and technological communication environment. The idea of an improved quality life through labor migration is discussed in the repeated and learningful conversations among family members. On the technological communication environment, families use mobile phones, Facebook, Skype, and Yahoo Messenger in their message exchanges. All of the interviewed families followed certain pattern of interaction. Rules observed in communication are likewise important to guide and direct conversations.
Finally, an integrated family convergence model in the context of migration is adopted considering the personal and household profile, communication environment, family interaction patterns and relationships, rules in family communication, individual aspirations and shared vision.
Conference
International Conference on "Global Migration: Rethinking Skills, Knowledge and Culture"