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“Work Like a Chinese”: Aspirations, Patterns of Work, and Working Conditions of the Chinese Immigrant Community in Southern Spain

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Listed:
  • Bárbara Badanta

    (Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
    Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

  • María González-Cano Caballero

    (Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
    Research Group CTS 969 Innovation in HealthCare and Social Determinants of Health, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

  • Elena Fernández-García

    (Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
    Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

  • Rocío de Diego-Cordero

    (Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
    Research Group CTS 969 Innovation in HealthCare and Social Determinants of Health, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

  • Giancarlo Lucchetti

    (Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil)

  • Rafael-Jesús Fernández-Castillo

    (Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

  • Sergio Barrientos-Trigo

    (Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
    Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain)

Abstract

Expanding businesses was the main reason for the immigration of Chinese people in Spain, which consists the fifth largest nationality of immigrants in this country. Nevertheless, few studies have been carried out to understand the working conditions of this population. Using an ethnographic design, this study examined the work patterns and working conditions among Chinese immigrants living in southern Spain and how these factors affected their health. Observing participants, field notes, and semi-structured interviews with question script were conducted with 133 Chinese immigrants. Five main themes were defined: “Economic improvement as a migratory reason”, “Conception to Work”, “Labor Sector”, “Work conditions”, and “Occupational health”. Our results showed that Chinese immigrants worked in the provision of services, with long working hours and little rest. Although they had low rates of unemployment, the working conditions had an important impact on their dietary patterns and their family life. Ergonomic and psychosocial risks also explained high rates of musculoskeletal problems and stress. In conclusion, Chinese immigrants living in southern Spain work actively in the service sector of the economy, but with many work hours. These characteristics seem to impact their health at a physical, psychological, and social level.

Suggested Citation

  • Bárbara Badanta & María González-Cano Caballero & Elena Fernández-García & Rocío de Diego-Cordero & Giancarlo Lucchetti & Rafael-Jesús Fernández-Castillo & Sergio Barrientos-Trigo, 2020. "“Work Like a Chinese”: Aspirations, Patterns of Work, and Working Conditions of the Chinese Immigrant Community in Southern Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:19:p:7063-:d:420406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jessica Yiu, 2013. "Calibrated Ambitions: Low Educational Ambition as a Form of Strategic Adaptation Among Chinese Youth in Spain," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(3), pages 573-611, September.
    2. Zai Liang & Bo Zhou, 2016. "The Effects of Legal Status on Employment and Health Outcomes among Low-Skilled Chinese Immigrants in New York City," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 666(1), pages 150-163, July.
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