The Philippines: Globalization and Migration

By Anny Misa Hefti

Globalization is synonymous to the phenomenon of acceleration. For the past 25

years rapid changes have affected political, economic and social developments.
Acceleration is seen in vast technological changes, media revolution, global economic
integration and massive changes in production systems and labour markets. All these
rapid increases in transnational flow of capital, trade and technology have marked its
effects on international migration as well. Global economic restructuring has led not
only to disruption in less developed or developing economies, it has also been a factor
in unemployment, wage decline or job insecurity in dominant market
economies.1Heavily indebted countries, like the Philippines have resorted to labor
export to help them afloat. But, I will not delve on this issue here, as this is the
expertise of my colleagues, Dr. Bello and Ms. Rodriguez.
What to me has considerable impact on international migration is the
globalization of technology especially communications technology. Fax and telephone
have replaced what used to be snail-pace letter communication. Relations between
immigrant communities abroad and home communities have been facilitated by these
new possibilites. The globalization of mass communication including TV, film, video
and music has reinforced dreams of easy life abroad. These "imagined lives" reach
even to peasants in remote villages. Migration becomes very attractive.
Impact of globalization on Migration
Contemporary views on migration depart from the earlier premise of the push-pull
theory on migration. According to this theory, people moved either because social and
economic forces in the place of destination impelled them to do so, or because they
were attracted to places of destination by one or more social and economic factors
there. Observers of migration flows have long seen the vast changing nature of
migration. What used to be purely economic reasons for migrating no longer hold in
many cases. Globalization of communication technology has affected extensively the
original impetus of individuals to migrate. Linkages between receiving and sending
countries are readily established. Networks connect migrants and non-migrants, where
news and information are shared. This sustains the flow of migration. Studying
networks particularly those linked with families and households sheds an
understanding in the development and encouragement in additional migration.
Let us take an example on the issue of the so-called "mail-order brides" - a rather
degrading label. I use this term now, so we know what I am talking about. In early
1980, many Filipinas married Western men through contracts with agencies or
through newspaper ads. As they settled down in these countries, they "invited" friends
and relatives to visit them who either find work or also get married. In the USA,
family reunification has been the main source of increased immigration. One study
indicated that 41% of pre-arranged employment of Filipinas in Italy was done by a
member of the family.3 Chain migration especially in family units is of special interest
to migration researches.
On the aspect of direct labour recruitment, where family reunification is
oftentimes not possible, increased migration is still evident because of networking.
Job opportunities are readily shared. Earlier migrants assist subsequent migrants with
accommodations, jobs, and contacts. Individuals from home countries hear of these
successes thus encouraging further migration. Migration may continue even after the
initial impetus for migration no longer exists.
Impact on countries of origin
Filipinos, being extremely family-centered, would above all remit earnings to the
family left behind. The standard of living of these families would improve
considerably, and their status in the community elevated commensurate to the
remitted green bucks.
It is known that Filipinos abroad remit approximately $7 B to the Philippine
economy. A large group of NGOs demand that these remittances be used for structural
changes to eventually make migration unattractive. Nevertheless, individual or
micro-level processes show their impact on the macro-level. Migrant groups abroad
were gradually founded. These associations pool their resources and provide funds for
projects in home communities. Many organizations here have helped repair local
churches in the Philippines; or expand library facilities, or built playgrounds.
Remittances have therefore also effected improvement on the lives of community
members outside migrant families.
However, migration has also an impact in the social lives of both the migrants
and the families left behind.
Statistics show that Filipinas comprise more than 50% of Philippine migrants,
with an upward trend. This fact has various implications. Families may be indefinitely
separated. We are well familiar with stories of migrant Filipinas concerning the
alienation of their children. They have become the "dollar mommies" with little
personal closeness to their offsprings. The husband-wife relationship deteriorates as
well due to long separation. It is not unusual to hear of extra-marital affairs done by
the husband while the wife is abroad. However, this is not the trend. Studies indicate
that marriage and family life have generally remained stable.4 Women migrants
particularly experience isolation especially when language is totally foreign. They are
also forced to live in a foreign culture that has low regard for poorer countries. Abuse
in many forms is common in these situations.
Increase in consumerism has also been one of the criticisms brought about by
remittances sent to families. The creation of global culture brought about by the
revolution in mass communications has promoted foreign influences through films,
music, TV and videos. Filipinos are well known for donning signature apparel, such
as Lacoste, Nike etc. These remittances have also created a dependency attitude to the
recipients. The motivation for self-realization has been overshadowed by expectations
at migrating. In some cases, the remittances to families have become
contra-productive.
Impact on receiving countries
Migrants bring to the receiving countries many customs, practices and
behaviour patterns from the home country. Smaller branches of the original culture
are recreated in host countries, such as "little Italy" or Chinatown, in New York and
Los Angeles. Multi-ethnicity is seen in large urban communities. However, a
multicultural society may be threatening to native-born citizens of receiving countries.
This can elicit resentment among the citizenry which can trigger social conflicts.
Migration politics in many Western countries are not integrative. The effect of these
policies is the marginalization of migrant workers. Marginalization takes the form of
low incomes, and unskilled jobs . Factors such as unequal opportunities, prejudice and
discrimination may be involved in prolonged periods of marginalization.
An example: Switzerland
Switzerland has a foreign population of 18.6%, or almost 20% of its population.
Swiss authorities have tried many ways to curb the foreign population. Swiss
migration policy is restrictive. In 1970, a quota system for Permits to Abode
(B-permit) was put at 10,000. However, the number of immigrants continued to
increase. Most recently, they adapted the so-called "Three-Circle-Model", as a
guideline for issuing working permits. Belonging to the inner circle are countries from
the European Union and the EFTA States. The USA and Canada belong to the second
circle. The rest of the world, especially countries from the South, fall on the third
circle. This implies that countries from the outer circle have practically no chance at
acquiring work permits in Switzerland.
Another development in their discriminatory practices is the residence permit of
foreign partners (wives and husbands). The permit is dependent upon the 'stability' of
the marriage within five years. If the marriage breaks before this "grace period", the
foreign partner can be deported.
Swiss NGOs have consistently criticized these discriminatory Swiss migration
policies.
Some real life stories affected by these laws.....
Gender Perspective in Migration
Earlier studies in migration have ignored the role of women. The presence of
women was usually attached to family reunification, hence dependent upon the
husband. Current trends, however, show that women are migrating independently.
New migratory flows are no longer male-dominated. There is a growing demand for
female labour and new social needs have created a demand for services in which only
immigrant women are prepared to work. Observers are keeping close watch at the
feminization of migration.
It is for me important to include women-specific issues in migration discourses.
There exists a division of labour - structured activities in a society are gendered. Not
only do men and women undertake different tasks, but women are responsible for
activities in the domestic sphere. These different tasks are the basis for the social
construction of gender in which women are excluded from some activities, confined
to others, dependent on males, docile, subservient and assigned secondary status in
the labor market.5They often take up the menial and low-paid occupations, with
particularly difficult working conditions. We find women migrants working in sweat
shops, as domestic servants, as entertainers exposing them to sexual exploitation.
Women migrants face degradation due to stereotypes that devalue women and
women's work.
Recognizing the gender issue in migration would also recognize human rights for
women.
Migrant women are vulnerable to gender-related violence like rape, sexual
harassment and physical abuse. One other serious global problem is trafficking in
women. Yet, how serious are governments in dealing with this problem? Migration is
very much in the core of trafficking in women - in the entertainment industry,
domestic workers, child prostitutes - all of which violate fundamental human rights.
The important economic contribution by migrant women, particularly the
invisible work of the domestic helpers, must be recognized. Migrant women should
enjoy the same privileges and opportunities as other women in the same society. The
gender-agenda should be top priority in shaping migration politics. As one politician
said, "if we want to change the world, change the women".
At the NGO Forum on Women in Huiaro, China, migration was a hot and
contested issue.
At the 4th World Congress on Women in Beijing just 50 km away, migration was
hardly discussed by the official delegates. They simply want to procrastinate - hoping
that the problem will go away? We are sitting on a time bomb! Migration will be one
of the major issues in the 21st Century.
Solidarity
As global restructuring affect all our lives, our responses have to take global
dimension as well. We need solidarity groups at all levels - regional, national and
international. Our strategies also have to change. I notice that many groups tend to
dwell on situations that caused them to be victims. It is legitimate to demand justice.
However, what usually is missing in their manifesto is a plan for action, a trajectory
move that takes them out of the victim role. It is time we downplay our pain and our
hurts which we, especially women, have already internalized. By celebrating our little
successes we bring in new energy and hope into our situation. Thus we create a new
identity for us - one with self-confidence. An empowered self can accomplish more
than a defeated self. A group with self-confidence can truly make a difference. By
actively negotiating, we move forward.
The response of Filipinas in Europe to the global challenges of migration is
forming networks, one of which is Babaylan - Philippine Women's Network in Europe.
Babaylan was founded in 1992 during the first European meeting of Filipinas in
Barcelona. The meeting was to discuss, among others, the meaning of a Single Europe,
trafficking in women, and most important, empowering Filipinas in Europe. Forming
this network was empowering. This network is our support system. It is heartening to
know that we can call upon each other for various activities and support in a variety of
issues. Just meeting each other already fuels renewed energy. Like most NGOs our
work is 100% unpaid job.
Networking cannot be be underestimated. Through personal and group
networking we reach out to undocumented migrant workers. These invisible workers
need our support. Babaylan, through the coordination of Rohlee de Guzman of
Limburg in Holland is a member of a network that assists cases of undocumented
women migrants who are caught in predicaments. We also need to network with
Philippine-based organizations. Many Filipino migrants are being forced to return or
voluntarily doing so. We need to be prepared for such situations, especially where
injustice is in play. We are well aware of unexplained deaths of OCWs returning in
coffins. We have to work together.
What would be a common agenda for an effective and relevant response to
globalization and migration? Is there anything more common than - the women?
Migrant women are in the center of change. Our political actions or agenda may not
be the same - but our consciousness exist. Many times, I feel our presence in political
groups has not been regarded seriously enough. Sometimes, we get invited to
participate as an afterthought; or perhaps as handy makers of sandwiches? Well, as I
have said, we want to change strategies. We want to be active members in planning
and decision making. We are capable partners, not simpy assistants. This recognition
is due the women, due us Filipinas, as migrants.
I am inclined to take up the standpoint of Giovanna Campani, that the economic
position of immigrant women is no longer marginal because it is compatible with the
economic developments of post- industrial society and responds to new social needs.
Many migrant women groups showing social action, like Babaylan for instance(!) are
abandoning the victim syndrome, thus abandoning social marginality as well. We
need to shift our perspectives in order for us to move forward. We look at migration as
neither a degradation nor improvement (this would be wishful thinking) in women's
position, but a restructuring of gender relations. This restructuring need not
necessarily be expressed through a satisfactory professional life. It may take place
through the assertion of autonomy in social life, through relations with family of
origin, or through participating in networks and formal associations. The differential
between earnings in the country of origin and the country of immigration may in itself
create such an autonomy, even if the job in the receiving country is one of a live-in
maid or prostitute.6 I know of many domestic workers here who have built houses and
employ live-in maids in the Philippines.
With an attitude that "we count", migrant women can claim pride in their
contribution to society. I look forward to the 'coming-out' of the domestic helpers,
entertainers and prostitutes - to be visible and be recognized as members of the
working force.7
Visibility of migrant women is slowly happenning. Migrant women are
increasingly active in associations and creating networks. It is time we claim our place
in society.
Globalization has its toll. Countless of questions nag us as this toll rises. How
can the clash of values and cultures be minimized and elements of a common culture
constructed so that perceived conflicts can be resolved in a world that gets smaller
each passing day? How can new forms of livelihood and standards of personal worth
be created when the demand for human labour has reached massive proportions
disregarding humane prerequisites? What institutional reforms and at which levels in
society should changes take place? We do not stop at questions, we need actions.
There is so much work to be done at the grassroots level. Solidarity groups are faced
with greater challenges than ever before.
Thank you.

References:
Battistella, G. & Paganoni, A. (1992). Philippine Labor Migration. Q.C. Philippines:
Scalabrini Migration Center
Cohen, Robin. (ed.) (1995). The Cambridge Survey of World Migration. UK:
Camridge University Press.
Cohen, Robin. ed.) (1996).Sociology of Migration. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar
Publishing Ltd.
Cohen, Robin. (ed.) (1996). Theories of Migration. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar
Publishing Ltd.
Huess, Ralf. (1987) Die onomik der Migration. University
Leacock, E. & Safa, H., et al. (1986). Women's Work. Masschusetts: Bergin & Garvey
Publishers, Inc.
Opitz, Peter. (1997) Der Globale Marsch. M chen: Beck
And some Papers from the 4th World Conference on Women, Beijing 1995
Notes
1
Hamilton, N. & Chinchilla, N. 1996. 凣 lobal Economic Restructuring and
International Migration", International Migration , vol. 34, no. 2 1996 , IOM, Geneva
2
Boyd, M. 1996." Family and Personal Networks in International Migration". In The
Sociology of Migration. Edited by Robin Cohen. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
Publishing Ltd. 298-301
3
Barsotti and Lecchini. 1990. in 凱 hilippine Labor Migration"
4
Go, S. and Postrado, L. 1986. 凢 ilipino Contract Worker: Their Families and
Communities." In Asian Labor Migration. Edited by F. Arnold and N. Shah. Boulder,
Colombo: Westview
5
Arizpe and Aranda ,1986. In The Sociology of Migration"(1996), Edited by Cohen,
Robin.
6
Campani, G. 1995."Women Migrants: from Marginal Subjectsto Social Actors." The
Cambridge Survey of World Migration". Edited by Robin Cohen. UK: Cambridge
University Press.
The number of immigrant women working as domestic helpers or in the sex industry
is very high at the world rate. There are 200,000 foreign maids in Italy; 25,000 in
Spain( 1991); 60,000 in UK; 86,000 Sri Lankan women in the Middle East(63,000 in
Kuwait) alone, 80,000 Filipina maids in Hongkong and 35,000 in
Singapore(Campani)

Source: http://www.philsol.nl/ 09/1997