European inventory of
societal values of culture

Yu - Influence of intrinsic culture

Yu, X. (2009). Influence of intrinsic culture: Use of public space by Filipina domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Journal for Cultural Research 13(2): 97–114.

Foreign labour migrants, living and working across national boundaries, create unique cultural landscapes on foreign soil through their use of public space. Some scholars view this use as a response to external challenges like political economy, gender struggle, body politics, and cultural resistance. However, little attention has been given to the influence of intrinsic cultures, such as religious beliefs, family ties, languages, and modes of social contact. This article examines the use of public space by Filipina domestic helpers in Hong Kong and argues that these intrinsic cultures could be driving forces shaping the cultural landscapes of countries or regions where they undertake overseas employment.