Description
Book SynopsisThe growing body of literature on ethnic businesses has emphasized the importance of small family-based businesses as a key form of immigrant adaptation. Although there have been numerous references to the importance of \u0022family labor\u0022 as a key ethnic resource, few studies have examined the work roles and family dynamics entailed in various kinds of ethnic businesses. Helping Out addresses the centrality of children's labor participation in such family enterprises. Discussing the case of Chinese families running take-out food shops in Britain, Miri Song examines the ways in which children contribute their labor and the context in which children come to understand and believe in \u0022helping out\u0022 as part of a \u0022family work contract.\u0022 Song explores the implications of these children's labor participation for family relationships, cultural identity, and the future of the Chinese community in Britain. While doing so, she argues that the practical importance and the broader meanings of children's work must be understood in the context of immigrant families' experiences of migration and ethnic minority status in Western, white-majority societies.
Table of ContentsCONTENTS Preface 1 The Role of Family Ties in Ethnic Businesses 2 Chinese Migration and the Establishment of Take-aways in Britain 3 "The Shop Runs Our Lives" 4 Helping Out 5 Upholding and Negotiating the Family Work Contract 6 Siblings' Labor Commitments and Family Reputations 7 Looking to the Future Appendix A: Locations of Take-away Businesses Appendix B: Background Information on Young People Notes Bibliography Index
