Contesting the Narrative of Victim hood

Clement  C. Camposano,

Contesting the Narrative of Victim hood

Abstract:

This paper does not aim to propound a systematic theory on labor migration. Rather, it aims to challenge the dominant stereotype of OFWs as victims and in so doing help pave the way for more critical, exhaustive and systematic research into the cultural dynamics of Filipino labor migration. This involves exposing the epistemological, ideological and theoretical underpinnings of "victimhood," as well as exploring alternative economic decision-making and interpretive approaches and perspectives on migration. In challenging the dominant stereotype of OFWs as victims, this paper also aims to reinstate human agency in the study and understanding of labor migration.