Coping with old age in a Philippine emigrant community

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Migration Studies

Background:

• The Philippine community in Hawaii experienced predominantly male migration in the 1920s-1930s, leading to a significant number of unmarried women (spinsters).
• These spinsters often relied on nieces or nephews for financial support.
• Contemporary migration patterns involve both men and women emigrating, with grandparents frequently caring for grandchildren to facilitate remittances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolving social and economic structures within an emigrant community.
• To examine the role of migration, remittances, and marriage patterns in community dynamics.
• To understand the integration of retirees into the social and economic fabric.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of community structures and migration trends.
• Examination of historical migration patterns and their demographic consequences.
• Observation of contemporary family dynamics, including grandparental care and marriage practices.

Main Results:

• Past male-only migration resulted in a population of spinsters dependent on extended family.
• Current migration involves both genders, with intergenerational caregiving supporting remittances.
• Wealthy male retirees from Hawaii engage in May-December marriages, securing old-age care and community integration.

Conclusions:

• Migration patterns significantly shape gender demographics and family support systems in emigrant communities.
• Remittances and strategic marriages, such as May-December unions, are crucial for economic stability and social integration of retirees.
• The community adapts to changing migration trends, with marriage and family structures evolving to meet economic and social needs.