“I may be lost but I know how to find my way.”: The “Lived” Experiences of Filipina Caregivers in the Live-In Caregiver Program in Halifax
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Date
2009-04-28T17:34:18Z
Authors
Root, Lori A.
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Abstract
To date there has been no research completed on live-in caregivers, in particular
women from the Philippines, who are in the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) in
small urban centers in Canada. This research is attempting to fill this gap.
This research explores the ‘lived’ experiences of Filipinas who are recently, or
currently in the LCP in Halifax Municipality, Nova Scotia. The data was collected
through in-depth qualitative interviews with five Filipino women who have come to
Canada as live-in caregivers. Given the overall low immigrant densities in the
Atlantic region of Canada and the relatively small size of ethno-cultural
communities, in combination with the isolating conditions of caregivers’ work,
Filipina live-in caregivers in Halifax are experiencing stressful working and living
environments. Nevertheless, Filipina caregivers are negotiating their position
between borders of citizen and non-citizen, worker and non-worker, maid and
madam, caregiver and mother in hopes and future goals of becoming a
permanent resident of Canada and reuniting with their family.