FOREIGN MAIDS

The Impact of Foreign Maids on the Relationship

Between the Children and Their Parents in Kuwaiti Families



Table of Contents

Introduction3

Methodology3

Key research questions4

Instruments5

Survey of Families5

Survey of Maids5

Observational Survey of Children5

Ethical considerations6

Literature Review Plan6

No definite authority6

Insensitiveness to the needs of Children7

The child's attachment to the maid7

The impact on maid's own emotions7

Separation anxiety and social phobia7

Personality disorders8

Implications for parents8

Implications for policy-makers8

Social-Cultural Context in Kuwait8

Changing Family Norms9

Migrant Domestic Labour in Kuwait11

Perceptions of Migrant Domestic Workers11

References13

The Impact of Foreign Maids on the Relationship between the Children and Their Parents in Kuwaiti Families

Introduction

This research will examine the impacts of wide delegation of domestic services to maids in Kuwait. There is a rising concern among professionals regarding this modality of family and childcare. Observances by educators of children in nursery schools suggest that many undergo social, emotional, physical and cognitive difficulties and it such behaviours may be connected with children-maid interactions. Relegating childcare duties to maids in the Gulf is on the rise. This tendency is driven by the ample availability of foreign labor, the increasing participation of women in the workforce, and lack of feasible alternatives.

The utilization of domestic workers started out in the late 1970s with the onrush of wealth during the oil boom. Kuwaiti parents started delegating childcare responsibilities to their domestic servants. Kuwaiti children cared for by maids are now in their mid 30s, and most children of present times spent time with maids in their home (Al-Usra 2003). This is influencing young parents in conceiving the role of maids or family maid as indispensable. Keeping a maid is now a well established social norm. As far as childcare is concerned, the children are voiceless.

Methodology

This study will attempt to hear the 'voices' of children through the observance and analysis of children behaviours through scientifically recorded observations and regular contact with maids, children, and parents. These focus groups will be located in two nursery schools of Kuwait city. The study does not aim to detract from the role of quality non-parental care that may positively contribute to children's care in ways that parents may not play their role. Parental care is no substitute for a peer interaction, developed learning environment, and the staging extended by educated caregivers. This study aims to prepare and educate parents about the practices and outcomes of maid services that might be damaging to their children. The study will highlight the potential dangers of maid services for childcare, and emphasize on the crucial role of parents, particularly in the developmental years of their children, and the gains of quality childcare that parents may, in partnership with maids, give to their children.

In order to refute or prove the hypothesis, a thorough analysis of literature dealing with the subject will be carried out (Cargan 2007, p.24). The researcher will conduct a thorough analysis of newspaper headlines, journals devoted to dealing with foreign workers' impact on Kuwaiti society. Existing research evidence available in scholarly articles, survey of sociology statistics will be carried out.

Key research questions

The study will focus on the emotional ...