Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the ML-DL relationship as experienced by foreign DLs, and to identify the essence of such experiences. Methods: Immigrant women from China, Vietnam or the Philippines who married Korean men and have lived in rural areas with their ML for three years or more were recommended as study subjects by the Center for Support for Multi-Cultural Families. A phenomenological study method was employed. Results: Herein, meaningful phrases were extracted from the statements made regarding the experience of the foreign DLs in their relationships with their Korean MLs. By forming a meaning cluster and a theme cluster, 847 meaningful sentences, 82 general sentences, 22 sub-themes and 6 main themes were drawn. From the clustering, 6 fundamental themes were indicated for analysis, including: ‘a stranger who has a hard time adjusting herself to a new lifestyle’, ‘a mother-in-law that does not treat the daughter-in-law as she would her own daughter’, ‘mother-in-law that hangs onto her son’s every word’, ‘daughter-in-law with a lot of pent-up anger’, ‘someone who understands me’ and ‘living together in harmony as a family.’
Keywords: China, Experience, Married Immigrant Women, Philippines, Vietnam