Therapeutic landscapes and networks in restricted lives: Constructing restorative experiences among Indonesian female domestic workers in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research explores the connections between therapeutic landscapes (TLs) and therapeutic networks (TNs) among women who work in domestic employment and experience severe space-time constraints in their everyday lives. Although these connections are often recognized, the links between TL and TN have not been widely investigated. Based on an online survey of 190 Indonesian female domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong, therapeutic landscape locations were identified. Open-ended quotes describing characteristics and benefits of TL were analyzed via MAXQDA and incorporated in qualitative mapping in ArcGIS Pro 2.6. Results showed four types of therapeutic landscape (green spaces, blue spaces, religious sites, and built environment) that were crucial in enhancing FDWs’ wellbeing on their rest day. FDWs’ relationships with health-promoting places and efforts in creating restorative experiences were tied to their social interactions, as TNs and TLs were created synergistically. For the understudied population of FDWs, our findings highlight the importance of both the mandated rest day and public spaces including parks, beaches, and buildings, for sustaining FDWs wellbeing despite their highly restricted daily lives.