Perceptions of transnational family responsibilities’ effects on subjective health and wellness – voices of Thai immigrant women

• Published in: International journal of migration, health and social care health and social care, 2020-09, Vol.16 (3), p.225-240
• Main Authors: Pongthippat, Weerati, Östlund, Gunnel, Darvishpour, Mehrdad, Kijsomporn, Jureerat, Gustafsson, Lena-Karin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy resources; Families & family life; Globalization; Health needs; Health services; Health status; Immigrants; International marriages; Interviews; Marriage; Migration; Migration health; Neuman systems model; Noncitizens; Personal relationships; Phenomenography; Southeast Asian cultural groups; Structural aspects; Transnationalism; Wellness; Women; Womens rights
• ISSN: 1747-9894; 2042-8650; 2042-8650
• DOI: 10.1108/IJMHSC-12-2019-0104

Purpose Globalisation provides new opportunities for immigrant women to supply financial benefits transnationally to uphold their families in their home countries. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Thai immigrant women regarding transnational family responsibilities effects on their health and wellness. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 40 Thai immigrant women, of which 34 described having transnational family responsibilities. The transcribed data were analysed using a phenomenographic approach. Findings The findings revealed five structural aspects of transnational family responsibilities of Thai immigrant women: being a dutiful daughter, being a caring mother, being a kind relative, being a “giving” person and striving for a wealthy life. The interviewees seldom encountered enough support from the spouse in handling their transnational family responsibilities. In general, a transnational marriage includes family responsibilities that are continuous and that often is the cause of migration. Practical implications This paper illuminates the transnational responsibilities of marriage migration and argues for women’s rights of culturally congruent health care. Originality/value Traditionally Thai women’s values are based on how they handle family responsibilities and acknowledging own health needs are not. These interviewees perceived doubled burden in terms of family responsibilities and workload in employed work, which contributed to poor health and wellness.