A Study on the Growth Experiences of Working Marriage Migrant Women Through Professional Life and Lifelong Learning Activities

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges and balance experienced by marriage-migrant women in Iksan with school-aged children in their employment, lifelong learning, and parenting. It also aims to propose effective support measures to promote social integration and independence. The research question is: “What experiences and challenges do marriage-migrant women face in employment, lifelong learning, and parenting, and what effective support can address these issues?” The study utilized the photovoice methodology and hermeneutic phenomenology to analyze the experiences of eight marriage-migrant women through photographic records and group discussions. Triangulation and participant reviews were employed to ensure the reliability of the findings. The results revealed that marriage-migrant women faced linguistic and cultural barriers in the workplace, along with limitations in job support systems. Lifelong learning contributed to their confidence and expanded social networks, but participation was limited by time constraints and caregiving responsibilities. In parenting, efforts to overcome linguistic and cultural differences with their children were evident. Managing time to balance work, education, and childcare emerged as a critical challenge. Learning and employment activities also contributed to psychological stability and strengthened ties within the local community. This study emphasizes the need for language education, expanded participation in lifelong learning, support for children’s education, and the establishment of community-based psychological support networks to improve the quality of life and social integration of marriage-migrant women. It provides foundational data for the sustainable growth and integration of multicultural societies, highlighting the necessity of further research to develop more comprehensive solutions.