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Chapter 6 What are the Experiences and Effects of Living in a Diverse Society
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Chapter 6 What are the Experiences and Effects of Living in a Diverse Society?
Recap:
- Singapore is increasingly diverse.
- Foreign manpower
- New residents (PRs & SCs)
- https://www.population.sg/population-trends/people-society
Interactions in a diverse society
Harmonious interactions
Need for harmonious interactions
- "The sharp rise in Singapore's population has led to increased diversity, which increased the need for harmonious interactions."
- Why is there a need for interactions?
- What happens when there are no interactions?
Common Space
Common Space
- Refers to physical space, shared values and common experiences that promote social interaction.
- Provides opportunities for Singaporeans to interact
- understanding amongst Singaporeans can be deepened (prejudices & biases can be lessened)
Common Spaces (egs)
Organisations
1. Inter-racial & Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs)
https://www.ircc.sg/
2. OnePeople.org
3. People's Association
Common Spaces
How can these examples promote interaction and deepen understanding amongst S'poreans?
Benefits of living in a diverse society
Benefits of living in a diverse society
An attitude of openess allows people to respect and appreciate diversity.
"Openness to interaction helps to ensure rich exchanges between groups of people."
In your opinion, how can citizens show an attitude of openness to interaction to facilitate rich exchanges between groups of people?
Suggest two examples.
Exchange & Appreciation of Culture
Exchange & appreciation of culture
https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/strength-in-fusion
Cultural excanges create interesting experiences and often results in fusion
e.g. food, music and fashion.
Exchange of skills and knowledge
- Foreign experts in scientific fields share knowledge and expertise when they collaborate with local Singaporeans.
- Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) supports & funds such collaborations.
Exchange of Skills & Knowledge
Challenges to living in a diverse society
Actions, opinions and feelings expressed irresponsibly could erode trust and weaken cohesion (unity) between people.
Challenges of living in a diverse society
Prejudice & misconceptions
Examples of prejudice
a) USA
- 9/11 terrorist attack
- Aftermath: many innocent Muslim-American s became targets of hate crimes.
- Caused hurt to affected Muslims and showed extreme prejudice based simply on their faith.
b) Singapore
- 2010: Christian pastor made disparaging remarks about Buddhism, video went viral.
- 2012: Chinese national on scholarship referred to Singaporeans as "dogs"
Discrimination
Prejudice can lead to discrimination
E.g. Singapore's housing rental market--hosts refused to rent their properties to potential tenants of certain race/nationalities.
This print screen from a local property portal (Propertyguru) shows a property listing with the words “No Indians/PRCs”.
Competition for resources
Recent influx of migrants & immigrants has caused tensions.
a) Concerns over standards of living
b) Concerns over social mobility
Standards of Living
Concerns over standard of living
Issues eg. employment, housing & transportation, rise in prices of goods & services
Fears that foreigners will take away their jobs, foreigners willing to work for much lower salaries.
Some also believe that influx of foreign workers has depressed wages
Aware of sensitivities involved the government has
1. Reduce the number of foreigners coming to work in SG
2. Increase levy for Work Permit/EP/S Pass holders
3. Utilise Job Bank before hiring foreigners
4. Boosting infrastructure (e.gl Buses, congestion at MRT stations)
5. Controlling prices of housing
6. Building of new public hospitals
Social mobility
Concerns over social mobility
Wage levels between skilled and unskilled jobs have widened greatly in Singapore.
Singaporeans have expressed frustration how influx of foreign labour has affected social mobility.
Govt has responded by
emphasising retraining and learning of new skills to enable them to remain relevant in the new economy.
emphasising the need for meritocracy
Schemes in schools (Edusave)