This dissertation presents a framework on the transnational communication and media use of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) using data from a survey of 320 OFWs in 15 countries and sea-based operations. The framework depicts the eccentric nature of OFW networks across communication levels, demographic attributes, and territories.
Interpersonal communication was highly complex, with constant mediated and non-mediated correspondence inside and outside the host country. Almost as expansive were mass media networks, which often became a direct link with the homeland and sometimes served as a surrogate venue for interacting with the host country. Despite the global reach of groups for OFWs, as explained by 16 organizational informants, networks of institutional participation were the least complex. Few of the respondents joined organizations, and those who did were not active members.
Across demographic groupings, men and higher-income professionals – with their regular connection to the Philippines, culturally diverse workplaces, greater organizational membership and heavy media consumption – had more expansive transnational networks compared to their counterparts. Regardless of gender and occupational profiles, younger respondents were more likely to harness newer media, indicating the eventual shrinking of the digital divide in the general sample. Parent-respondents were very positive about the role of media in their family, but their media use patterns were similar to respondents without children, largely because of their smaller disposable income.
Across territories, the home country is still a pivotal body. The Philippines remains central in the discourse of OFWs, especially with the entry of Philippine media companies in their host countries. Within the host country itself, women, who supposedly labored invisibly in private workspaces, were more publicly social in parks, malls, and churches during weekends compared to men. Indeed, the extensive media use of men and their lack of friendly relations in the host country, suggested they could be living in expatriate bubbles that were tethered to the Philippines and existed quite invisibly from the host society.
The networks of the respondents were thus mainly transnational between the home and the host countries, except for those of higher-income professionals whose communication and media use patterns suggested an emergent globalism.