As research proves, there are slight differences between genders concerning the acceptance of third culture life. Cottrell & Useem report that each gender sees their life differently according to the stage they are at in life. For example, for women the experience tends to be felt in this way:
“Women reveal a greater concern with interpersonal relations; they are far more likely to have experienced difficulty leaving childhood friends and re-entering the U.S. Yet, as adults they are more likely to believe that TCK experiences enhance their social relations and community involvement.” [i]
In comparison, the researchers report that TCK men are inclined to be satisfied with their lives. They believe this may be linked to “worry(ing) less about interpersonal relations” and their self-esteem being mainly tied to their external achievements rather than relationships. [ii]
In light of this difference, a good resource for women abroad is http://expatwomen.com/. This website is similar to the other websites that cater to TCKs. They cover many topics and incite interaction between participants.
http://expatwomen.com/[iii] is a good example of what the internet offers nowadays for TCK or their families to cope with the more alienating parts of their lifestyle. Furthermore, the interactive side of the website is about sharing expertise. Such an exercise would not have been as accessible only a few years ago. It is a good example of how gender specific situations in third culture can be facilitated thanks to private and public civil society. [iv]
[i] Cottrell AB, Useem RH (1994). “ATCKs have problems relating to own ethnic groups”. International Schools Services, 8(4).
[ii] Ibid. [i]
[iii] expatwomen.com. “Expat Women – Helping Women Living Overseas.” 26 Nov. 2007 <http://www.expatwomen.com/travelers.php>
[iv] Chan-Tibergien, J. (2006) “Cultural diversity as resistance to neo-liberal globalization: The emergence of a global movement and convention” in Review of Education, Vol. 52: 94.
