10 social responses Flashcards
- Providing Public Housing
Elaboration: Post-WWII, there was a severe housing shortage and poor living conditions in Singapore. High-rise flats were built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), offering amenities like electricity, drinkable tap water, and waste disposal services. Initially, people rented these flats at a subsidised rate. The Home Ownership Scheme was introduced in 1964, allowing citizens to purchase flats using CPF savings. By the mid-1970s, over 40,000 families owned their flats. HDB also developed amenities like hawker centres, schools, and clinics. By 1976, HDB housed over 50% of the population. Explanation: The provision of affordable housing resolved the post-war housing crisis, improved living standards, and fostered public confidence in the government. The Home Ownership Scheme enhanced citizens’ investment in the country and promoted social cohesion.
- Strengthening the Education System
Elaboration: In 1965, Singapore had a 60% literacy rate and 25% of the population was of school-going age. The government addressed educational challenges by: (i) Building schools: About 83 schools were built between 1959-1965. (ii) Increasing teacher recruitment. (iii) Implementing the bilingual policy: All students learned English and their vernacular languages. English served as a neutral, international language. (iv) Integrated schools: Established in 1960 to encourage interracial mixing. (v) Equal education opportunities: Provided free primary education to all children, regardless of gender. (vi) Emphasis on technical subjects: From 1969, technical subjects like Woodwork, Technical Drawing, and Home Economics were introduced. (vii) Education review (1979): Focused on allowing children to learn at their own pace. Explanation: These measures aimed to improve literacy, provide equal education opportunities, and prepare students for the industrial sector, thereby contributing to national unity and economic development.
- Relocating people from squatter settlements
Elaboration: Squatter settlements near waterways posed health hazards due to potential water contamination. Relocating people to HDB estates provided access to clean water, electricity, and proper sewage disposal. This significantly improved living conditions and reduced health risks. Explanation: The relocation effort improved public health by reducing exposure to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions, contributing to overall better health standards.
- Clean Air Act
Elaboration: Passed in 1971, this Act regulated the emission of pollutants into the air. It imposed fines for non-compliance. Explanation: The Clean Air Act helped reduce air pollution, thereby decreasing health problems associated with poor air quality.
- Flood control measures
Elaboration: Measures included the building and widening of drains and canals in the late 1960s and 1970s. These improvements increased drainage capacity and reduced the risk of flooding. Explanation: Flood control measures reduced the spread of flood-related diseases like cholera and dengue, contributing to better public health.
- Environmental Public Health Act
Elaboration: This Act mandated the clearing of rubbish from premises and imposed fines for littering and spitting. It also improved waste collection with new equipment. Explanation: The Environmental Public Health Act improved public cleanliness and reduced disease spread by enforcing waste management and sanitation practices.
- Improving maternal and infant healthcare
Elaboration: The government provided vaccination information to parents and introduced regular health check-ups in schools. Dental clinics were set up in new schools to promote oral health. Explanation: These measures contributed to a decrease in infant mortality and improved overall health by addressing early health and dental issues.
