Issues of Adaptation and Ethnic Struggle of Southeast Asian Migrant Workers in a Foreign Land - Taking Migrant Workers in Taiwan as an Example

Abstract

This study aims to explore the adaptation process of Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan and the ethnic struggles they face. Utilizing social science observational methods and literature analysis, the research focuses on the complex interactions between migrant workers and the local society, particularly the conflicts and collaborations among different ethnic groups. The findings indicate that Southeast Asian migrant workers, while living in a foreign land, must not only overcome cultural differences and language barriers but also face structural discrimination and exclusion from the local society. These phenomena can be understood through the theoretical frameworks of nationalism and racism. Nationalism emphasizes the impact of national identity on social integration, while racism reveals the existing power inequalities and exclusion mechanisms within society. Additionally, the theory of multicultural formation provides insights into how different ethnic groups interact and coexist in shared spaces. Despite these challenges, migrant workers demonstrate strong adaptive abilities, gradually achieving social integration by establishing community support networks and actively participating in local economic activities. This study aims to provide empirical recommendations for migrant worker policies and social integration strategies to promote the coexistence and development of multiculturalism, as well as to offer a theoretical foundation for future related research. Finally, this paper summarizes the following conclusions and follow-up suggestions: first, "cross-cultural conflict" will make the physical and mental conditions of foreign migrant workers unhealthy, and management measures should be based on "human rights issues" to allow foreign migrant workers to have a certain degree of freedom and development in their right to work and socialize, so enterprises should formulate relevant measures to allow foreign migrant workers to get physical and mental adjustment in a foreign land. to promote more effective communication and cooperation.