SY5005 CW2: Research Proposal

Examining changes in gender

Conceptions as a result of international

migration; A Latin American viewpoint

Student Number: U1964195

Module Leader: Ruth Brown

Seminar Tutor: Katie Wright

Student Number: u1964195

Undergraduate Programme: Politics and International Relations

Seminar Tutor: Katie Wright

Word Count: (not including Bibliography)

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Introduction
Statement of the problem

(What is the problem that this research seeks to address?)

This research proposal will examine the issue of gender in relation to the process of migration
which has led to a re-evaluation of cultural and social attitudes regarding thoughts concerning
gender. This proposal will look more closely into the social conceptions of gender from the
viewpoint of a Latin American with view to how this has changed because of the trajectory of
migration. Moreover, the proposal will delve deeper into key components which include;
education, fiscal background and age band. The research proposal will seek to dispute the
significance of identifying the effects of societal conception on the predetermined status quo,
principles and responses found inside the ‘Latin American’ community in London and what
that means for societal egalitarianism.

Despite being a crucial facet of modern civilisation, migration is still an issue that remains to
be controversial; two thirds of the Latin American community came in 2000, making it one of
the ‘fastest growing ‘ immigrant groups in London, (Trustforlondon.org, 2021). The societal
conception of someone migrating to a new country can be altered because of the procedure of
migration. This also comprises of how gender bias can change during the procession of
migration; which will be dissected through this proposal. The two key theoretical methods
that are being looked at are, ‘Gender and Development’ and ‘intergenerational transmissions’
which will be incorporated through the exploration and study of data that will be collated.

Aim

The intention of this proposal is to critically assess the degree in which gender conception
can be altered through the procession of ‘international migration’. The proposal will look to
assess how much gender conception has evolved in light of ‘growth and development’ and
the ‘intergenerational perspective’.

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 Objectives

(Choose a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4)

1. Look into secondary research on the social conceptions of gender in the Latin
American society.
2. Evaluate the literature concerning immigration, gender and growth
3. Examine gender bias towards roles and beliefs within the Latin American immigrant
society in London
4. Assess the degree in which gender bias towards roles and beliefs have evolved
through time among the Latin American immigrant community.

Research Question

(What is the key question to be addressed by this research?)

To what degree has gender conception evolved via the procession of

‘international migration’

Key Terms / Definitions

(NB Use author definitions – never dictionary definitions).

Background To The Study and Research Context

The study of Latin American immigrants is becoming more popular, (Iris.org, 2013),
particularly as a result of the diverse cultural differences in London. It is imperative to
highlight the fact that there are many different belief systems and traditions for each Latin
American state, as mentioned by Gillins in the, American Anthropologist. Nevertheless,
limitations set by culture cannot be ignored and must be taken into consideration also within
Latin America, (Inglehart and Carballo, 1997). There are two major points to consider for the
‘uniformed’ ethos of Latin America, which also consists of the collective native background
and the influence on ‘Hispanic’ values by the Spanish and Portuguese rule through
colonialism. One other observation made by Inglehart and Carballo, is the undeniable power
and impact that the ‘Catholic Church’ has had on culture. These are some of the key factors
that unite the vast terrestrial lands of Latin America. This proposal will look into the
problematical influence of ‘religion’ as well as its effects on issues such as, gender, family
and how this has helped shape the thought pattern of Latin Americans, (Vuola, 2017).

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By way of tradition – family is meant to play a central role in Latin American society, as
mentioned by Zubieta and Clutter, the family is not only composed of its immediate members
but also distant relatives and friends that have become family – Ingoldeby would observe
some of the principles that hold a Latin American family together and would conclude that it
is completely different to other ‘cultures’ utilising the word, ‘familyism’ to bring definition to
a societal role which comes before self needs and advancement, and it involves multiple
duties and roles to individuals within the family. So that we can obtain a more thorough
comprehension of the societal conceptions on gender, understanding the role of family is
fundamental. The conceptions of gender are incorporated in the domestic life which has been
passed on from generation to generation. ‘Masculinity’ is very popular in the Latin American
society and plays a key role in everyday life – as well as their also being a status quo for the
‘perfect’ Latin American woman, which has been observed by DeSouza and Stevens. This
research proposal will evaluate how gender is viewed in Latin American society, taking into
consideration the fact that there are numerous Latino Americans who may not notice how
much of an impact there is on the conception of roles and responsibilities.

This research proposal will take previous studies and research on gender roles and
philosophies inside the Latin American immigrant society based in Europe. The gender
power equilibria has been reviewed and looked into by Mcllwaine in, Migration Machismos,
paying close attention to migrants originating from Latin America – ‘this was conducted
through the use of Pesars 3 practical outcomes of identifying gender shifts through
migration’. Primarily the migratory path would question and reconsider pre-migratory
assumptions of gender. Additionally, migrants would have to accept gender regimes on a
larger scale, also mentioned by Mcllwaine. Finally the migratory experience is meant to
reinvent and cause more emphasis on gender values. The proposal also disputes the fact that
the intergenerational perspective is fundamental when looking back over the state of Latin
American Migrants situated in London.

Rationale for the Research Project

(Why is this study important/ urgent?)

Because of economic disparity, ecological decline and ‘conflict’, immigration has hit
its peak, (UN, 2017). The IMR pinpointed the increasing number of immigrants

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 around the world, detailing the total going from 173 million in 2000 to now being at
258 million as mentioned by the UN. Furthermore, Mcllwaine would go on to state
the fact that Latin Americans were almost ‘invisible’ as a migratory group, implying
that there needs to be more literature surrounding this particular area.

Pharr goes on to define sexism as a form of prejudice based on gender, with the belief
that men are superior to women. Sexism is also one of the most common
dissimilarities worldwide and is still a big issue as mentioned in the council of
Europe, (2019).

Synthesis of the Key Literature*

(*Remember this is an important section that much of the

word count will be used in).

(What are the 2-3 main bodies of literature on the theme that relate to the
area of study? Compare and contrast them with each other – what
contributions do each make to the field? This section should be
substantive and written in full paragraphs citing the authors names e.g
Whilst proponents of X have argued ….(Bell, 2021; Copestake 2018)
detractors have by contrast suggested that….(Hayanga, 2019; Fisher
2018).

Theoretical Approach

(What theoretical approach will be adopted and applied to this research

project and why?)

Significance of the Study

(Where does the project fit within the field of study? Which areas have
been neglected and how does this study seek to fill the gap(s)?)

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 Research Methodology
(What methods will be adopted for the study in order to answer the
research questions (previously identified in the introduction)? Remember
to include methods for data collection and analysis. Why are these
methods suitable and what is the benefit of using them?)

Primary (if you plan to do empirical research)

 Arranged to interview the CEO of Café Direct.

 Plan to conduct a focus group with North African Women in cross-

cultural relationships.
 Plan to interview academics and experts from Colorado State University
and Greenwich University (UK) as well as representatives from the Adam
Smith Institute.

Secondary (reference using Harvard style)

Scope of the Research Project

(What is the focus of the project and what aspects go beyond the scope of
the project and cannot therefore be considered in this study).

Limitations

(What are the limitations of the study? Remember to indicate how they
will be addressed).

Provisional Chapter Headings for the Dissertation

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2.

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 Chapter 3.

Chapter 4.

Chapter 5. Conclusions

Content / Details of Plan for Each Chapter

(Descriptive with paragraphs or in bullet point form)

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2.

Chapter 3.

Chapter 4.

Chapter 5. Conclusions and Implications

Proposed Bibliography (15-20 sources)

(Ensure to use the Harvard Referencing Style – see Cite it Right and make
referencing consistent).