Domestic Violence and Divorce among Japanese-Filipino Couples: Case Studies of Filipino Wives Living in Okinawa Prefecture

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  • 日比国際結婚のフィリピン人妻のDV・離婚に関する一考察―沖縄県A市在住者の事例を通して―
  • ニッピ コクサイ ケッコン ノ フィリピン ヒトズマ ノ DV ・ リコン ニ カンスル イチ コウサツ : オキナワケン Aシ ザイジュウシャ ノ ジレイ オ トオシテ

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Abstract

<p>Because of increased population mobility brought about by globalization, the number of international marriages in Japan has been increasing steadily. 80% of such international marriages involve a Japanese man and a foreign wife. Among this group, Japanese men and Filipino wives account for 20%. As the number of marriages involving Japanese husbands and Filipino wives increases, some of these women find themselves facing various problems including domestic violence. This study aims to examine the problems of domestic violence and divorce among Filipino wives based on research conducted in an urban part of Okinawa prefecture.</p><p>I conducted semi-structured interviews with four Filipino wives living in city A. Previous studies have shown that there are 9 forms of domestic violence among couples of the same nationality. In the case of the four Filipino wives in this study, I found evidence of the kind of domestic violence which occurs in same nationality marriages—“economic violence,” “psychological violence and verbal abuse,” “flaunting men’s privilege,” “social isolation,” “physical violence,” “forceful demands, threats and intimidation.” The peculiar forms of domestic violence Filipino wives suffered were “violence using their legal status” and “cultural violence.” Furthermore, the Filipino wives living in city A experienced two further forms of domestic violence—“domestic violence by the husband’s relatives” and “alcohol fuelled violence.” These two peculiar forms are caused by the traditional family system and the drinking culture in city A. In order to support these Filipino wives living in city A, it is important to understand the peculiar economic, social and cultural context of Filipino wives, as well as the social and cultural problems associated with city A. In conclusion, a flexible support system for these Filipino wives needs to be constructed.</p>

Journal

  • Intercultural Education

    Intercultural Education 41 (0), 95-110, 2015-03-31

    Intercultural Education Society of Japan

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