Chapter 5, What are the factors that shape the identity of people and contribute to a divers society?

Question 1

Factors that shape the identities of people and contribute to a diverse society

Answer 1

1. Race and Ethnicity
2. Religion
3. Socio-economic status
4. Nationality

Question 2

Race and Ethnicity

Answer 2

• Race refers to the biological classification of people, which includes their physical characteristics. Examples of physical characteristics are bone and jaw structure, and the colour of skin, hair and eyes.
• Ethnicity is based on the culture of a group of people who share the same ancestry, customs and traditions that distinguish them from other groups in society.
• In Singapore, the terms “race” and “ethnicity” are often used interchangeably as culture is understood to be closely related to race.
• For example, a Chinese-Indian pair of Mr Murugesh Nagaraju and Mdm Myra Lim celebrated their differences. Mdm Lim recounts how her mother-in-law applied a bindi (a coloured dot applied between the eyebrows) on her children’s foreheads when they were born. During Chinese New Year, hongbaos were handed out and auspicious phrases were shouted over the customary yusheng dish.
• Race and ethnicity can shape a person’s identity as they influence their beliefs, values, practices and way of life.
• A variety of people with different identities, each with their beliefs, values, ways of life and practices make a society diverse.

Question 3

CMIO categorization and policy making

Answer 3

• The government uses the CMIO categorisation to make decisions in policies relating to race and ethnicity in Singapore, such as the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP).
• They are used to represent the interests of minority groups and encourage integration among racial and ethnic groups.

Question 4

Group Representative Constituency (GRC)

Answer 4

• The GRC system was established in 1988 to ensure that the minority races in Singapore are represented in the Parliament.
• A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) represent the interests of residents in the constituency.
• At least one of the MPs in the group representing to GRC must belong to the Malay or Indian community, or another minority racial community.
• This ensures that all laws passed will not discriminate against any races.

Question 5

Ethnic Integration Policy

Answer 5

• For example, the Ethnic Integration Policy was introduced in 1989 to promote interaction and harmony among ethnic groups in Singapore. Its aim was to prevent the rise of ethnic enclaves.
• The EIP ensures that there is a mix of various ethnic groups in each HDB block, based on ethnic make-up of Singapore. Since many different ethnic groups live in the same block, they have opportunities to interact with each other. This will build understanding and harmony among the groups.

Question 6

Limitations of CMIO

Answer 6

• However, there have been calls for Singapore to move beyond viewing citizens via the CMIO categories.
• The CMIO categorisation has limitations as the four race categories may not accurately reflect/ classify people of diverse or mixed heritage.
• Hence many questioned whether the CMIO categorisations used in Singapore is still relevant today.
• Due to the increasing inter-ethnic marriages in Singapore, the double-barrelled race option was implemented in January 2011 to allow for the races of both parents to be reflected as the child’s races.

Question 7

Religion

Answer 7

• Religion refers to an organised collection of attitudes, beliefs, values, practices and world views.
• Singapore is a multi-religious society.
• The different religions can influence their respective followers’ beliefs, values, practices and ways of life, thereby shaping their identities.
• For example, in Singapore’s survey conducted in 2020, 31.1% of the residents are Buddhists, while Islam made up 15.6% and Hinduism 5%.
• Their religious beliefs and practices may influence their thinking, the choices they make and their interactions with others.
• These will have an impact on believers’ way of life and their identities.

Question 8

Socio-economic status

Answer 8

• Socio-economic status refers to an economic situation shared by a group of people in society.
• In Singapore, an individual’s or a household’s income is one indicator of a person’s socio-economic status.
• This information helps the government identify groups of people who may require additional assistance.
• For example, the government introduced a KidSTART Programme for families with household income of $2500 and below. The programme aims to provide additional support for children aged 6 and below. They equip parents with relevant knowledge and skills to nurture their child’s early development.
• Socio-economic status may influence a person’s choice of housing, food, entertainment, activities and friends or people he or she interacts with.
• In this way the government can provide more targeted support to those who need it more.

Question 9

Socio-mobility

Answer 9

• An individual’s socio-economic status may influence a person’s life experiences.
• The movement can be upward or downward.
• For example, Mr Lim Hock Chee and his wife used to sell chilled pork at a rented stall in a grocery store.
• Mr Lim started the pork stall because of excess supply at his father’s pig farm.
• Mr Lim and his brothers took over a supermarket where the stall was located and turned it into the 1st Sheng Siong store in 1985.
• After more than 35 years, Mr Lim and his brothers operated 65 supermarkets across Singapore and have become successful businessmen.
• This means that while socio-economic status may influence a person’s life experiences, it is not the only aspect of a person’s identity and does not define him or her.

Question 10

Nationality

Answer 10

• Nationality refers to citizens of the same country and usually live together in a particular geographical area.
• They may feel more connected to other members of the same nationality as they identify and share a common history, language and culture.
• For example, Singlish is an informal way of speaking, used by most Singaporeans. It mixes English with words and phrases from languages spoken by the various communities in Singapore.
• Speaking Singlish has become part of the Singaporean identity and culture. This will result in a shared sense of national identity and belonging to their country.

Question 11

Why Immigrants and migrants of different nationalities come to Singapore?

Answer 11

• There are people of different nationalities living in Singapore.
• They comprise naturalized Singapore citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs). There are also foreigners who come to Singapore as foreign workers and foreign students.
• For example, in Singapore as of 2021, we are 3.5 million citizens, 0.49 million permanent residents and 1.47 million non-residents.
• The presence of economic opportunities and a stable social environment are some reasons why immigrants are attracted to Singapore.
• According to the World Bank in 2014, Singapore was ranked first among countries with conducive business environment. This has resulted in Singapore’s reputation as a business hub, and its world-renowned efficiency has attracted about 7000 MNCs to set up operations here.
• Singapore is also ranked second safest country in the world based on social order and security and is ranked tenth overall based on categories like criminal justice and absence of corruption by World Justice Project in 2014. This allows the foreigners and the supporting communities thrive in is a safe environment. It brings diversity, and increases Singapore’s attractiveness as a major place for investments.
• As they can live and work in Singapore safely, they bring along their distinct identities and practices unique to their country of origin, contributing towards the diversity in Singapore.