chapt 4, diversity Flashcards
Nationality
The role of nationality also involves having a sense of belonging because it involves the legal status of someone recognised as citizens of a country. It also involves sharing common experiences with others of the same nationality.
Example
nationality
For example, Singaporeans celebrate National Day on August 9th, and associate the day with the National Day parade whether or not we attend the parade. We also being part of a multicultural society, share a deep respect for multiracial and multi-religious practices. The use of Singlish also sets us apart from others and makes us easily recognisable to one another even when we are overseas.
Explanation
nationality
These shared experiences, as well as the common history, traditions, practices and language, help build a sense of belonging and shape one’s identity when we live in a particular geographical area. This coupled with the fact that one’s destiny is very much tied to the physical space and the common destiny people share from one country makes them very conscious of their national identity.
Race and ethnicity
The role of race and ethnicity is very important in shaping one’s identity. Race refers to the classification according to physical characteristics that one is born with. Ethnicity refers to one’s born ancestry, language, cultural practices and customs associated with an ethnic group.
Example
race and ethnicity
The lines between these 2 are very much blurred in Singapore. For example, the 4 categories are CMIO and is often seen as 4 main ethnic groups as well. In addition, one way to associate a race in Singapore is not only by the way they look but also from the food they consume and the languages they speak. Many policies like housing, education, government assistance and voting makes race a very distinct category in Singapore as we are constantly reminded of race in many of our policies.
Explanation
race and ethnicity
The appearance, language and practices and beliefs of these communities shape the way of life and influences one’s identity as it is something very visible. People are often categorised into racial lines by others as well for this reason, thereby making race an important form of a person’s identity still.
Religion
The role of religion is important in shaping one’s identity. This is because a religion is an organised collection of attitudes, beliefs, practices, worldviews and often worship of single or multiple gods, that explain the origins or meaning to life to a person of that religion.
example
religion
As such people of a particular religion have a set of shared core beliefs and practices that they keep to regardless of race and nationality. These beliefs and practices shape the choices they make and thus play an important role in shaping one’s identity. For example, certain religions may propagate dressing in a particular way or avoiding certain types of food. There might also be rules on how to pray. All of these can affect how one dresses, chooses the types of food to eat and even place to go to worship.
explanation
religion
This might cause them to develop a certain lifestyle as they abide by a certain code of laws and mingle more with people of the same religion. This would thus give them a distinct identity.
Socio-economic status
The socio-economic status of a person also plays an important role in shaping one’s identity. The socio-economic status refers to the economic situation of a person. This status is often determined by a combination of factors such as occupation, income, education and ownership of wealth. In Singapore, an individual or household’s income level is used as an indicator for socio-economic status.
example
socio-economic status
One’s socio-economic status will shape the way of life as it affects the choice of housing, food, entertainment and activities. For example, people of higher socio-economic status would likely enjoy fine dining, travelling to exotic and distant destinations and live in larger and more expensive properties because of their ability to afford a more expensive lifestyle.
explanation
socio-economic status
This in turn will influence the network and circle of friends one has because such people are likely to mingle with people with similar jobs, homes and aspirations. This in turn gives people of a certain socio-economic class a certain set of attributes or characteristics that makes their identity distinct from others.
