Obedience and Objection : Working Conditions for Indonesian Female Domestic Caretakers in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Natasha Halim, 林慧蓉
• Other Authors: Dr. I-Chun Kung
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/07631676092062302485

碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 東南亞研究所 === 98 === Most of the foreign domestic caretakers in Taiwan come from poor families, low education, poor work development and responsible for the family economy, they come to Taiwan to pursue a better life. However, working in Taiwan presents many challenges, these women often feel estranged and unable to adapt the environment due to language barriers, customs and behavior, differences in culture, hygienic problems, etc. In addition, frictions and disputes are common problems in the labor relations. This study took Indonesian female domestic caretakers as the objects of study to research the working conditions of foreign workers in Taiwan, including : working conditions, labor relations, legal protection, labor disputes, the reasons for shelter, and response behaviors of foreign workers. Discussed about how foreign workers react to unreasonable labor conditions? How do they strive for working rights and protect themselves? When will they file a complaint? In addition, this study also research the role of Taiwan government in many labor disputes, how to influence the working rights protection of foreign workers. Through the course of interviews, this study found that foreign workers visiting Taiwan for their first time were often unfamiliar with Taiwan’s environment, related laws and job content, therefore, they were especially subject to abuse or improper treatment by employer or agency. The study results indicated that the obedience of foreign workers is not absolutely accept or unconditional obedience, instead, it is under threat of obedience. Although based on emotional factors in some situations, foreign workers are willing to keep patience and accept their employer’s attitude. However, during the course of working, the occurrence of some situations may change the attitude and behavior of foreign workers from obedience to a variety of responses, which caused the demand for foreign worker shelter.