Maid to Order in Hong Kong: An Ethnography of Filipina Workers

Rating:
Summary: Eye-Opening
Review: A devastating critique of the capitalist world system, an anthropological study drawn from first-hand case studies, statistics, and the theoretical works of Gramsci, Bourdieu, and Foucault among others. Absolutely compelling reading.

Rating:
Summary: Maids' Lives Unveiled
Review: A fascinating window into the lives of Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong. Details the many facets of exploitation, abuse and discrimination experienced by these maids. A fine balance between portraying maids as victims as well as agents in their own right, adopting a rather Foucauldian theme of discipline or oppression begetting resistance. Constable's work shuns naive generalizations of maids as passive victims (as many other works have), although I felt that domestic workers' acts of resistance and agency could be interrogated in greater scope and detail. Also provides a well-rounded picture by examining the geopolitics that give rise to demand and supply of domestic workers in Asia and Hong Kong in particular. A thorough and well-researched book synthesizing themes of race, class and gender!

Rating:
Summary: Well written, thoughtful study on a little known topic
Review: Let me begin by confessing my bias. I met Dr. Constable at a book signing and have since maintained a warm e-mail friendship. Having said that, I think any one who is interested in the culture of the Philippines, the culture of Hong Kong, the Filipino Diaspora, or the multi-variate roles of women in the emerging cultures of Asia will find a great deal of interesting material, conveyed thoughtfully and with sensitivity.