The nature of father-daughter relationships in Taiwanese immigrant families living in Britain

Liao, Tzu-Chi (2012). The nature of father-daughter relationships in Taiwanese immigrant families living in Britain. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Using social constructionist approaches this thesis aims to explore the perceptions/expectations/experiences of father-daughter relations in Taiwanese immigrant families living in Britain. Six Taiwanese father-daughter pairs formed the sample. Semi-structered interviews were the main method used to collect information about the participants' perceptions/understandings/experiences. The data was subject to qualitative content analysis which revealed three key findings. These were:
1. Taiwanese immigrant fathers experiences tensions in the process of fathering their daughters to be indeoendent and pursue success in their careers. But deeply held traditional views on monitoring/protecting their daughters led them display behaviours that suggested a desire to control them. These 'mixed messages' created tensions in father-daughter relationships.
2. British-Taiwanese daughters' constructions of daughterhood produced tensions too:their experiences were akin to those of the majority of young women living in western societies who delay motherhood and pursue success at work. However, traditional expectations of daughters to prioritise family responsibilities and show obedience to their parents sets up conflicts both on father-daughter relations and their own personal choices.
3.Father-daughter relationships in Taiwanese immigrant families living in Britain are one where the expectation and practices of conventional fathers and daughters marks relationships daughters' life stages.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):