Literacy Compensation and Social Participation of Immigrant Women Married to Japanese in an Area Devoid of Japanese Language Instruction : Focusing on Their Life Histories and Learning Environments

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  • 日本語教室不在地域における国際結婚移住女性のリテラシー補償と社会参加 : 生活史と学習環境に着目して
  • ニホンゴ キョウシツ フザイ チイキ ニ オケル コクサイ ケッコン イジュウ ジョセイ ノ リテラシー ホショウ ト シャカイ サンカ : セイカツシ ト ガクシュウ カンキョウ ニ チャクモク シテ

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Abstract

This paper discusses from the viewpoint of literacy how immigrant women in Japan through international marriages live in an area, where Japanese language classes are unavailable, and what strategies they use and how they maintain their independence to compensate for this disadvantage. Ethnographical data gathered through life history interviews of immigrant women, interviews conducted among the residents in their area, and participant observation, are used in the present analysis. This research clarifies that social participation of these women is limited and partial, although they survive in the society by complementing their lack of literacy with their human resources, such as family members and friends. In order for them to realize fully their potential through social and community participation, there is need for stronger public support systems and provisions in the community for their empowerment. These forms of assistance can be considered" literacy compensations" and should be considered for implementation.

This paper discusses from the viewpoint of literacy how immigrant women in Japan through international marriages live in an area, where Japanese language classes are unavailable, and what strategies they use and how they maintain their independence to compensate for this disadvantage. Ethnographical data gathered through life history interviews of immigrant women, interviews conducted among the residents in their area, and participant observation, are used in the present analysis. This research clarifies that social participation of these women is limited and partial, although they survive in the society by complementing their lack of literacy with their human resources, such as family members and friends. In order for them to realize fully their potential through social and community participation, there is need for stronger public support systems and provisions in the community for their empowerment. These forms of assistance can be considered" literacy compensations" and should be considered for implementation.

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