This study seeks to understand the difficulties and challenges of Filipino adolescents when introduced to a new culture. A total of 50 Filipino immigrant adolescents in Singapore had been selected as participants. There were two variables measured; the cultural adjustment stages and cross-cultural adjustment aspects. Using a descriptive research design, the researchers formulated 2 sets of 5-point Likert scale questionnaires. One consists of items on the four cultural adjustment stages; honeymoon stage, culture shock, gradual adjustment and feeling at home. The second questionnaire consists of items on the three aspects of cross-cultural adjustment; general environment, adjustment to school and interaction adjustment. The data were analyzed using mean per item to determine which cultural adjustment stage and cross-cultural aspect of adjustment the participants were experiencing. The researchers found that there was no definite cultural stage that the participants were mostly identified. They also found that among the categories of the general environment, the way of life had the lowest level of adjustment while adjustment to school and interaction adjustment had a high level of adjustment. Based on the results of the study, key factors to ease the adaptability, such as the favorability of the physical and social environment were recommended to those who are planning to migrate.
Table of Contents
1. The Problem and It’s Scope
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Review of Related Literature
1.3 Conceptual Framework
1.4 Schematic Diagram
1.5 Statement of the Problem
1.6 Objectives of the Study
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Scope and Limitation
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organization of the Study
2. Research Design and Methodology
2.1 Research Design
2.2 Research Participants
2.3 Research Instrument
2.4 Research Environment
2.5 Research Procedure
2.6 Data Analysis
3. Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data
4. Summary of Findings, Conclusions, Implications and Recommendations
4.1 Summary of Findings
4.2 Conclusions
4.3 Implications
4.4 Recommendations
Objectives and Research Focus
The study aims to explore the cultural adjustment experiences of Filipino immigrant adolescents in Singapore, specifically examining the stages of adjustment and various aspects of cross-cultural adaptation to understand how these factors influence their adaptability to a new environment.
- Identify the prevalent stages of cultural adjustment experienced by Filipino immigrant adolescents.
- Assess the difficulties in cross-cultural adjustment across different environments (general, school, and social).
- Analyze the role of cultural factors, such as collectivism and language proficiency, in the adjustment process.
- Provide insights into the adaptability of Filipino immigrant youth within the Singaporean context.
Extract from the Book
Introduction
The culture of migration in the Philippines is one of the most imperative factors of the Philippines economy because migration for work has proven to have substantial implications on growth and development in the country. According to a 2015 Worldbank report, the Philippines is in the top five remittance recipient countries in the world and the 3rd remittance recipient in the East Asia and Pacific Region. Singapore has been one of the top destinations for families because skilled migrant workers may bring along family members as part of a company’s remuneration package (Lin & Yeaoh, 2012)
Leaving your life in one country for a new life in another country is challenging due to cultural differences, bringing about problems of adjustment and impending integration. Migration is stressful and being in an unfamiliar physical and cultural environment can be alienating, subsequently leading to internal conflict in the shift from the comfort of familiarity with the isolation of the new culture (Bhugra, 2004). The change in demographic composition of places also affects the attitudes of the families, especially their children. Espiritu and Wolf (1999) stated that children of immigrants struggle with the transition. Immigrant adolescents are not exempted from the stress of the moving process, and may even find it harder to cope with changes.
Chapter Summaries
1. The Problem and It’s Scope: This chapter introduces the context of Filipino migration to Singapore and outlines the research problem, including objectives and the conceptual framework.
2. Research Design and Methodology: This section details the descriptive research design, participant selection through purposive sampling, and the instruments used to measure cultural and cross-cultural adjustment.
3. Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data: This chapter presents the gathered survey data and analyzes the results concerning the participants' cultural adjustment stages and cross-cultural aspects.
4. Summary of Findings, Conclusions, Implications and Recommendations: The final chapter summarizes the research outcomes, offers conclusions regarding the adolescents' adjustment, and provides recommendations for future researchers and potential migrants.
Keywords
Filipino immigrants, adolescents, Singapore, cultural adjustment, adaptation, cross-cultural adjustment, migration, psychosocial challenges, social support, acculturation, honeymoon stage, culture shock, school adjustment, collectivism, resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The study focuses on understanding the difficulties and challenges faced by Filipino immigrant adolescents when they are introduced to the new culture of Singapore, specifically looking at how they adjust.
What are the central thematic fields?
The core themes are cultural adjustment stages (based on Oberg's model) and cross-cultural adjustment aspects, including general environment, school adaptation, and interaction with host nationals.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to determine the prevalent cultural adjustment stages the adolescents are experiencing and to identify which specific aspects of cross-cultural adjustment present the most difficulty for them.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The researchers utilized a descriptive research design, using survey methods with 5-point Likert scale questionnaires to collect quantitative data from 50 participants.
What does the main part of the paper cover?
The main body examines empirical data concerning the adjustment stages and categories like food, language, social structure, and school environment, interpreting them through psychological theories.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Filipino immigrants, cultural adjustment, cross-cultural adaptation, psychosocial challenges, and collectivist culture.
Why was Singapore selected as the study environment?
Singapore was chosen because it is considered a diverse "hotpot" of cultures and a top destination for Filipino migrant families, making it a highly relevant setting for examining immigrant integration.
How do the participants' social and cultural values affect their adjustment?
The study highlights how Filipino collectivist values and social hospitality (maka-tao) facilitate connection with others, which acts as a protective factor during the transition to a new society.
Does the study confirm Oberg's four-stage theory of culture shock?
The research found no definite cultural stage that most participants were identified with, suggesting that the participants displayed a relatively constant adjustment rather than moving through distinct stages as described by Oberg.
What role does language play in the adjustment of Filipino adolescents in Singapore?
The study suggests that proficiency in English—a common language in both the Philippines and Singapore—is a significant facilitator that eases the adjustment process for Filipino immigrant adolescents.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Joanne Varon (Autor:in), Dave A. Climaco (Autor:in), Alyssa Marie Y. Gucor (Autor:in), 2016, Cultural Adjustment of Selected Filipino Immigrant Adolescents in Singapore. Implications to Adaptability, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354394
