The whole province of Binh Duong still has many limitations, especially for workers working in private enterprises. In addition, the workers themselves do not have the conditions due to the nature of their work (regular overtime), economic conditions as well as their awareness of social welfare policies is still inadequate, which has narrowed the opportunities for migrant workers to access and enjoy welfare [29]. Particularly for migrant ethnic minority workers in general and Khmer workers in particular, apart from general policies for immigrants, there are almost no specific policies for this group in Binh Duong.
For the above reasons, it is necessary to study the current situation of livelihoods and livelihood support for Khmer migrant workers in Binh Duong as well as to determine the factors affecting livelihood support activities. Research on Khmer migrant workers in Binh Duong is not only to study the current situation but also to find sustainable solutions under the approach of Social Work (CSW) in meeting the needs and solving the livelihood problems that Khmer people are facing. In addition, the thesis aims to study and find suitable social support programs and services to help Khmer migrant workers develop their livelihoods. That is the reason why the author chose the topic: "Livelihood support for Khmer migrant workers from the practice of Binh Duong province" as his thesis.
2. Research purpose and tasks
2.1. Research purpose
Analyze and systematize theoretical issues on livelihood and livelihood support for Khmer migrant workers; analyze and evaluate the current situation and factors affecting the current situation of livelihood and livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers in Binh Duong province; apply measures to improve the effectiveness of livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers from the practice of Binh Duong province; thereby propose a number of recommendations that are consistent with the research results and are feasible to contribute to improving the lives of migrant workers in general and Khmer migrant workers in particular.
2.2. Research tasks
To achieve the research purpose, the thesis focuses on solving the following tasks:
- Systematize theoretical issues on livelihoods and livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers under the approach of social work.
- Survey, analyze and evaluate the livelihood status and livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers.
- Survey, analyze and evaluate factors affecting livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers such as: characteristics of Khmer workers; characteristics of supporters and factors related to the social network of Khmer workers.
- Application and Experimentation of social work methods in community development for Khmer migrant workers in livelihood support.
- Propose some recommendations that are consistent with the research results and are feasible to contribute to improving the lives of migrant workers in general and Khmer migrant workers in particular.
3. Research object and scope
3.1. Research subjects
The research object is livelihood support activities for Khmer migrant workers under the approach of social work from the practice of Binh Duong province.
3.2. Scope of research
Scope of research objects: In this thesis, livelihood support activities are limited and divided into 4 basic groups of activities, which are employment support activities, information provision activities, psychological support activities, and social networking support activities.
Spatial scope: The survey was conducted in three locations: Binh Hoa ward, Thuan An town; My Phuoc ward, Ben Cat town and Phuoc Hoa commune, Phu Giao district. These are places where many Khmer immigrants live.
Time scope: The thesis was conducted from August 2016 to February 2019. The experimental period of community development method was from June 2018 to December 2018.
4. Methodology and research methods of the thesis
4.1. Methodology
Methodology (or theory of methods) is a system of theoretical foundations for research methods. It includes principles and viewpoints originating from a certain theory or theoretical system, to guide the search, construction, selection and application of methods as well as in determining the scope and applicability of those methods in accordance with the objectives of the thesis.
Thus, the methodology of the thesis, in practice, is based on the viewpoints and guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam on ethnicity and implementation of ethnic policies. In addition, in terms of epistemology, the thesis inherits and selectively absorbs the viewpoints on sustainable livelihoods; the viewpoints on people in the environment and the theory of social support (as presented above). This methodological basis will be applied to the research process and propose solutions to support livelihoods for Khmer workers in Binh Duong according to the social work method in community development.
4.2. Research methods
4.2.1. Document analysis method
In addition to referring to domestic and foreign research documents, we also refer to the system of documents and materials of the Party and the State related to activities supporting Khmer migrant workers. From there, we systematize a number of theoretical issues related to Khmer migrant workers, livelihoods and livelihood support for Khmer migrant workers. In addition, the overview of research documents helps the author build a theoretical framework for the research problem. A specific list of documents is listed in the reference section.
4.2.2. Questionnaire survey method
The standardized survey questionnaire includes four parts: Livelihood status; Livelihood support activities status; Factors affecting livelihood support activities.
livelihood support and demographic information. We collected information using questionnaires to gather information on a large scale to increase the completeness, accuracy and objectivity of the topic.
The survey content is arranged as follows:
- In the livelihood status section, the content focuses on the status of employment, social networks, living conditions, income and expenditure, culture - entertainment and livelihood strategies.
- In the section on the current status of livelihood support activities, the content focuses on accessing and evaluating the effectiveness of employment support activities, psychological support, information support and social networking support.
- In the section on factors affecting activities, the content focuses on variables related to demographics and social network characteristics.
Regarding the research sample size, the sample is calculated based on the estimated data reported by the People's Committee of Binh Duong province on "the migration situation of ethnic minorities in the Southwest region in Binh Duong province". As of August 8, 2018, there are currently 18,655 ethnic minorities living in this area. Of which, the Khmer people account for about 90%. Based on this total, the sample size to be surveyed is:
n = ( π 1+π.π 2
) β 0.9 = 16790
1+16790.(0.05) 2
β 0.9 = 360.
Based on the above, in this topic, we determined the sample size to be 360 ββKhmer migrant workers aged 15 and over who are participating in the labor process or have the ability to work. The researcher surveyed 360 quantitative interview questionnaires, following the principle of multi-stage cluster sampling through selecting three specific areas of residence of workers as presented above. Accordingly, we distributed 120 questionnaires to each area. Each town/district selected a commune/ward based on the criteria of having the largest number of Khmer workers and taking into account the specific occupational factors of workers and workers in small production establishments. At the commune/ward level, we continued to conduct sampling according to the principle of systematic randomization according to the list of workers.
Khmer workers temporarily residing in localities provided at the time of the survey, along with actual verification of the residential situation of immigrant Khmer workers.
In addition to selecting samples in the study of the current situation and factors affecting livelihoods with a sample of 360 Khmer workers in the three locations mentioned above. In the experimental activity of the social work method in community development, we also selected a sample of 200 people who are living in the 30/4 boarding house on Binh Hoa 20 street, Binh Hoa ward, Thuan An town, Binh Duong province. In this case, we selected a total sample to survey and assess the needs of Khmer workers living here before conducting livelihood support activities.
4.2.3. In-depth interview method
To collect information from the research subjects, we conducted targeted dialogues through in-depth interviews with Khmer migrant workers, business owners and managers in workshops with a large number of Khmer migrant workers, and local union officials.
- For Khmer migrant workers, in-depth interviews focused on the following contents: reasons for moving to Binh Duong, ways of finding jobs; experiences of difficulties related to livelihoods in Binh Duong and ways of adapting; feelings and assessments of support for themselves and their families regarding livelihoods in Binh Duong; needs of themselves and their families that need support and expectations for the future regarding livelihoods. The total number of in-depth interviews conducted for Khmer migrant workers was 30.
- For the subjects who are labor managers and business owners with a large number of immigrant Khmer workers, in-depth interviews focused on the following contents: characteristics and situation of Khmer workers in the enterprise; perceptions and assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of Khmer workers in the enterprise; sharing and assessing the support activities of enterprises for Khmer workers, proposals and recommendations on supporting Khmer workers. The total number of in-depth interviews conducted with business owners and managers was 04.
- For the target audience of local officials in areas where many Khmer migrant workers are living, in-depth interviews focused on the following contents: the situation of Khmer workers in the area; perceptions and assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of Khmer workers temporarily residing; sharing and assessments of local support activities for Khmer workers, proposals and recommendations on supporting Khmer migrant workers living and working in Binh Duong. The total number of in-depth interviews conducted with local officials was 08.
In-depth interviews were conducted after the author and interviewers had time to get acquainted and establish trust, as well as ensure anonymity and comfort during the information collection process. The purpose and significance of the interview as well as the use of information after collection were all informed to the interviewees.
4.2.4. Observation method
With the aim of experiencing the research context through observing and participating in the living activities of Khmer workers at their lodgings in the family and community. The researcher was able to participate and witness the living activities in the most authentic way, at the same time establishing a close relationship with the community and the research subject to help determine more accurately the research objectives and tasks, and at the same time cover the research content of the thesis.
4.2.5. Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA)
PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) is a particularly useful tool in community development in general and it is a method of empowering people to decide on community affairs. In this thesis, priority ranking tools were used to quickly get opinions from Khmer migrant workers in the community about the needs they are most looking forward to at the time of the survey. In addition, we also used the community organization chart tool to understand the organizations and their roles for people in the community.
4.2.6. Statistical processing method
Quantitative data were processed using SPSS version 20 software as follows:
- In descriptive statistics on the frequency of receiving support and the effectiveness of support activities, the average score is conventionally defined as follows:
Frequency
Value medium | Level of effectiveness | |
No support | 1.00 β 1.80 | Very ineffective |
Seldom | 1.81 β 2.60 | Inefficient |
Sometimes | 2.61 β 3.40 | Normal |
Frequent | 3.41 β 4.20 | Effective |
Very often | 4.21 β 5.00 | Very effective |
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- In testing the relationship between two qualitative variables, the author uses the Chi-Square test with a significance level of 0.05. In addition, we also rely on the Cramer's V coefficient to measure the strength of the relationship between two nominal variables. For ordinal variables, we use the Gamma coefficient.
- In analyzing the difference between groups in a categorical variable with two groups and a quantitative variable, we use the Independent T-test with a significance level of 0.05.
- When studying the difference between groups in a qualitative variable with three or more groups, we use the ANOVA test with a significance level of 0.05.
- In analyzing the correlation between two quantitative variables, we use the Pearson coefficient coefficient, which ranges from -1 to 1: If r approaches 1 and -1, the linear correlation is stronger and tighter. When it approaches 1, the correlation is positive, when it approaches -1, the correlation is negative. Finally, if r approaches 0, the linear correlation is weaker.
- In analyzing the models, the author uses the correlation coefficient B. Coefficient B is a regression correlation coefficient based on the principle that if B has a positive value, it has a positive impact on the dependent variable and vice versa, if B has a negative value, it has a negative impact on the dependent variable.
5. New scientific contributions of the Thesis
From the literature review, it can be seen that in Vietnam, research on the livelihoods of Khmer migrant workers has been conducted under the approaches of Anthropology, Sociology and
Geography. However, there has been almost no research approaching from the perspective of social work. Therefore, the thesis aims to research and analyze the problem from the perspective of social work to analyze the current situation of livelihoods and livelihood support. From there, evaluate the factors affecting support activities and propose solutions to improve the quality of livelihood support activities, contributing to stabilizing the lives of Khmer migrant workers and the implementation of social security policies in Binh Duong province.
On the other hand, the thesis does not only stop at proposing solutions but also conducts experiments on the social work method in community development in supporting Khmer workers to access social service information. Thereby, drawing experiences to be able to deploy and apply widely in Binh Duong.
Thus, the social sciences help researchers understand the living context, what is happening, and the causes of those phenomena. In addition to pointing out the theoretical foundations and forming a theoretical system for effective approaches to specific groups of people, social work also provides practical models that can be implemented. In this thesis, from the social work approach, we have been able to understand the characteristics of the target group as well as their opportunities, challenges, strengths and weaknesses to propose recommendations, solutions and, in particular, to provide specific models for a specific community, which in this case is the Khmer immigrant labor group.
6. Theoretical and practical significance of the topic
6.1. Theoretical significance of the topic
With the research results achieved, the topic contributes to clarifying theoretical issues in identifying, collecting information, assessing the livelihood status and supporting livelihoods for Khmer migrant workers. The results and information obtained from this study can be used as reference material for social work research for migrant minority workers.
6.2. Practical significance of the topic
The study of Khmer migrant workers in Binh Duong is not only to understand the current situation but also to find solutions under the approach of social work.