explain the findings and promote them to a more theoretical level. The theoretical concepts identified as most relevant to the current research findings are taken from diverse fields, including migration, acculturation and cross-cultural adaptation. They are: Push/Pull factors (Kofman 1999; Kofman et al. 2000) Social Network Theory (Massey et al. 1993; Castles and Miller 2003) Institutional Completeness (Breton 1964) Culture Shock and Cultural Distance (Oberg 1958; Babiker et al. 1980; Mumford & Babiker 1997; Gudykunst 1998; Hofstede 1994, 2001) Integrative Theory of Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Kim 1995, 2005) Ethnic Identity Theory (Tajfel 1981; Tajfel and Turner 1986; Phinney 1992; 2001) In the following sections, the relevant theoretical concepts are presented and discussed in relation to the research findings. 5.2.1 Push/Pull Factors As discussed in Chapter 2 (section 2.2.1), researchers divide factors causing migrations into two groups of factors: push and pull factors (Kofman, 1999; Borjas 2001; Castles and Miller 2003). According to Kofman et al. (2000), women migrate for a diversity of motivations, including better economic opportunities, to achieve a greater degree of independence, to escape patriarchal oppression, or increasing participation in higher education. This study reveals that women’s ‘pull’ factors are the main factors which affect Chinese migrant journey of migration to women’s Ireland. Although dependent on personal circumstances, the majority of the women in this study saw coming to Ireland as an opportunity to enjoy independence, adventure and self-fulfillment. On the whole, Chinese migrant women in the current study are highly motivated to come to Ireland for a better life, such as for family reunification or further education. These women’s motivations are largely factors rather than factors. As a result, they tended to have ‘pull’ ‘push’
explain the findings and promote them to a more theoretical level. The theoretical concepts identified as most relevant to the current research findings are taken from diverse fields, including migration, acculturation and cross-cultural adaptation. They are: Push/Pull factors (Kofman 1999; Kofman et al. 2000) Social Network Theory (Massey et al. 1993; Castles and Miller 2003) Institutional Completeness (Breton 1964) Culture Shock and Cultural Distance (Oberg 1958; Babiker et al. 1980; Mumford & Babiker 1997; Gudykunst 1998; Hofstede 1994, 2001) Integrative Theory of Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Kim 1995, 2005) Ethnic Identity Theory (Tajfel 1981; Tajfel and Turner 1986; Phinney 1992; 2001) In the following sections, the relevant theoretical concepts are presented and discussed in relation to the research findings. 5.2.1 Push/Pull Factors As discussed in Chapter 2 (section 2.2.1), researchers divide factors causing migrations into two groups of factors: push and pull factors (Kofman, 1999; Borjas 2001; Castles and Miller 2003). According to Kofman et al. (2000), women migrate for a diversity of motivations, including better economic opportunities, to achieve a greater degree of independence, to escape patriarchal oppression, or women’s increasing participation in higher education. This study reveals that ‘pull’ factors are the main factors which affect Chinese migrant women’s journey of migration to Ireland. Although dependent on personal circumstances, the majority of the women in this study saw coming to Ireland as an opportunity to enjoy independence, adventure and self-fulfillment. On the whole, Chinese migrant women in the current study are highly motivated to come to Ireland for a better life, such as for family reunification or further education. These women’s motivations are largely ‘pull’ factors rather than ‘push’ factors. As a result, they tended to have