Kevyn Gunawan

To what extent does Singaporean society marginalize Migrant Domestic Workers and how do civil society organizations counter this?

Started Apr. 12, 2023

Abstract or project description

Context: Due to its rapid economical development and prevalence of dual-income households, Singapore has come to rely heavily on migrant domestic worker (MDW) labor to cook, clean, and look after the children & elderly. I investigated the ways that Singaporean society may marginalize these groups, including but not limited to social exclusion, limited legal protections, inadequate working conditions, and restricted access to social and healthcare services. Moreover, my research will investigate the methods employed by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Singapore to counter such marginalization of MDWs, including empowerment through education, providing support services, and advocating for policy reforms.

Methods: One part of the investigation will include a visual element incorporating photographs I will take, documenting MDWs and the ways they participate in society (living conditions, community bonding, activism, etc). The photographs will allow the observer to easily visualize the conditions and framework wherein the MDWs work and live. I also intend to interview MDWs to gauge a better insight into their personal lives, struggles, challenges, hopes, and dreams. Additionally I will be (tentatively) partnering with a CSO that supports MDWs by instilling them with marketable skills, allowing me to investigate the issue from an organizational point of view.