Affect, Narratives and Politics of Southeast Asian Migration

This book explores the politics of gendered labor migration in Southeast Asia through the stories and perspectives of Indonesian and Filipina women presented in films, fiction, and performance. It offers an innovative approach to examining contemporary issues of Asian migration by unpacking themes of belonging and displacement, shame and desire, victimhood and resistance, sacrifice, and grief. It contributes to the affective turn of feminist and transnational scholarship and demonstrates the issues of vulnerability and agency inherent in debates on social exclusion, human rights, development, and nation-building in Southeast Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate realm of gendered labor migration in Southeast Asia, shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of Indonesian and Filipina women through a diverse range of mediums, including films, fiction, and performance. By examining the emotional depth of these texts, the author aims to unveil how they fuel the emergence and vitality of women's social movements in the region.

The book takes a novel approach by integrating literary and filmic narratives of Filipina and Indonesian domestic workers in Hong Kong and Singapore into ongoing discussions surrounding migration policies. This interdisciplinary approach offers a fresh perspective on contemporary issues of Asian migration. Through rich ethnographic accounts, the book uncovers profound themes of belonging and displacement, shame and desire, victimhood and resistance, sacrifice, and grief. It reveals that the stories of Filipina and Indonesian migrant women go beyond depicting their daily lives and practices; they also serve as powerful mediators of the complex politics of gendered labor diaspora and globalization.

Contributing to the growing affective turn in feminist and transnational scholarship, the book underscores the significance and centrality of affect, emotions, and feelings in shaping discourses on women's subjectivity, labor, and mobility. By exploring the emotional dimensions of these women's experiences, the author offers valuable insights into the complexities of their lives and the broader socio-political contexts in which they operate.

Furthermore, the book demonstrates the inherent vulnerabilities and agency present in debates on social exclusion, human rights, development, and nation-building in Southeast Asia. By examining the emotional resonances within these narratives, the author sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by these women as they navigate the complexities of global migration.

This innovative and multidisciplinary book offers a valuable contribution to the field of Asian Studies, literary and cultural studies, film studies, gender and women's studies, and migration studies. It provides a rich tapestry of stories and insights that will captivate scholars and researchers alike, fostering deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of gendered labor migration and its impact on women's lives and societies in Southeast Asia.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703936