The Use of Mobile Phone & Internet in Transnational Mothering among Migrant Domestic Workers in SingaporeShelly MalikSiti Zubeidah Kadir

Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

9 December 2011

CPRsouth6, Bangkok, 2011

Introduction

1.5 million women

9 million children

Impact of separation

Introduction

9 million children

The role of ICT in transnational motheringConstructing a ‘connected relationship’ (Wilding, 2006)

Potential role of ICTs in transnational mothering Constructing a ‘connected relationship’ (Wilding, 2006)

Research gap A framework to guide research The role of Internet The importance of mothering

Objective To examine the roles of mobile phone and

internet applications in child rearing practices of migrant domestic workers

Conceptual Framework

ICT for Child Rearing diagram

Model adapted from: ICT-for-healthcare-development model (Chib et al., 2008) and

Child Rearing Practices constructs (Block, 1965; McNally et al., 1991; Roberts et al., 1984)

Inti

macy

Alleviating worry

Parental control

Expression of affect

Achievement

Emphasis on health

Independence

Tran

sn

ati

on

al M

oth

eri

ng

Methodology Snowball and convenience

sampling 11 Indonesian and 11 Filipina

female All except 1 are using both Internet and mobile phone to communicate with their children

Focus group discussion / interview and self-completion survey Conducted in English and Bahasa Indonesia The survey presents an insight into domestic workers’

general use of ICTs, e.g., type of ICTs, frequency, communication time.

The focus group discussions / interviews provide an in-depth understanding, e.g., topics discussed on different ICT types, transnational child rearing practices, benefits and barriers of ICT use.

Key Findings

Partially alleviate worry about child Monitor child’s activities, health, meal intakes

The positive side is that I can contact her anytime. Every day I ask her what time you wake up, what you eat, what you do at school. I

will also tell her every day what I do, what I cook. (R22)

Exert parental controlWhen she goes home from school, she has to finish her homework

first before playing. I SMS her at around the time she is doing homework to check. (R21)

Encourage child’s achievement

Express affection

1. ICTs are critical instruments for transnational child rearing practices

Key Findings

ICTs permit frequent communication and informs mothers of their children’s physical and emotional needs

All believe they have a close relationship with their children, but it may be an “imagined” closenessShe doesn’t know what kind of work I am doing here. She also doesn’t ask

much. She just knows that I work in Singapore to make money. (R14)

Mobile phone calls most useful in facilitating intimate communication.I always ask them why you feel sad, then they always tell me why. Better to call then SMS, because in SMS you cannot tell what they are feeling inside. I always tell them, good or bad, tell me so I can help you. So I always spend

a lot on global call on this, because I don’t want my children to keep anything inside the heart. (R3)

2. ICTs facilitate intimacy creation and maintenance

Key Findings

Mobile phone is most preferred, for its direct contact, convenience, fast response, and audio featureUsing letter, we have to wait for a long time. Using handphone, we can quickly know, even in one minute, how she is, whether she has eaten.

(R22)

Internet’s visual engagement through Facebook photos and video chat(I prefer) video cam cause it is clearer, I can talk and see at the same time and can see their facial expressions. But because I can’t use it as

and when I need, so I have to use the handphone. (R21)

Facebook allows flexibility and new ways of communication and helps to keep track of their children in a non-intrusive way.

I check who her friends are, her activities. I see when she post comments and if it’s not very nice, I will comment on her to watch her

words. (R10)

3. New ICTs complement rather than replace old technology

Key Findings

ICTs cannot replace physical presence(Taking care of children with technology is) not enough. Lacking in love. Lacking due to the distance although we often call and send

SMS. I can’t hug her. (R22)

More pronounced when children are sick or unhappyMy daughter doesn’t want to tell me if she’s sick. So I have to check

with my parents, then I will talk to her. (R13)

Infrastructural issues Most respondents are allowed to use ICTs after they finish

their work. Few face stricter employers.My Ma’am said that even using handphone requires electricity. (R19)

4. ICTs are not able to fully bridge the physical separation

Conclusion Separation due to economic reasons Negative impact on mothers and children

In the past she often complained, but now not anymore. I told her that if I didn’t work, who would pay for her school fee. (R22)

ICTs are critical tools for transnational mothering Should governments / employers provide access to more

types of ICTs? Should it be made compulsory for employers to let domestic

workers contact their families regularly? New ICTs complement old technologiesFor now, we can communicate well. But if possible, in the future there will

be a better communication tool. (R13)

ICTs are unable to fully bridge physical separation Should domestic workers be given a paid leave to return

home?

THANK YOUshel0002@e.ntu.edu.sg