ch5: factors tht shape identity & contribute diverse society

Created by

michelle natalia

Cards (41)

diversity 
large range of different things
socio-cultural diversity
people of different race , ethnicity , religion, nationality
socio-economic diversity
people of different socio-economic backgrounds due to different levels of education, income and wealth
factors that shape identity
race and ethnicity
religion
socio-economic status
nationality
relationship between identity & diversity 
diversity in societies exist due to people's unique identities
why are our identities different?
it is influenced by age, background, race , religion , social-economic status and etc
factors of our identity
values system
practices
behaviours
perspectives
factor that shapes identity: race and ethnicity
Race refers to biological classification of people, which includes their physical characteristics. - skin colour , eye structure etc
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. - javanese and bugis ( malay race )
In Southeast Asia, different ethnic groups have unique customs, traditions & languages.
People can have different races but same ethnicity / ethnicity but same race or both the same race and ethnicity
ethnicity effect on us
-> belonging to an ethnic group will influence our life
Singapore's society is both socio-culturally and socio-economically diverse, this diversity can bring people close together and lead to tension and conflict , which is why it is important to consider how to respond to these situations
Race and ethnicity in SG
CMIO categorisation is used in Group Representation Constituency ( GRC ) & Ethnic Integration Policy ( EIP )
However, there is some criticism on the relevancy of CMIO
Group Representation Constituency (GRC)
atleast 1 member of parliament in a constituency is from minority racial community to ensure the interests of the minority group are represented
Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)
mix of various ethnic groups in each public housing to ensure no ethnic enclave to encourage interaction between races to foster relationships
ethnic enclave 
An ethnic enclave is a geographical area where a particular ethnic group is spatially clustered and socially and economically distinct from the majority group.
Complexities and Issues around Race and Ethnicity
reflect the growing diversity of Singapore's society-
due to the increasing number of inter-ethnic marriages in SG, double-baralled race option is implemented on the children born to parents of different races where parents choose 2/4 races to be declared as child's race.'
Factor that shapes identity: Religion
organised collection of attitudes, beliefs, practices, world views and often involve worship of god(s), usually have narrative to explain origins of life. many religions promote compassion, love & respect.
Factor that shapes identity : Religion
Believers keep to the beliefs & practices of their religion regardless of race , ethnicity or nationality which influences their thinking and the choices they make & interactions with others
Inter-religion organisations are important to ensure peace amongst the religions
Religious Festival : Qing Ming
-> Taoist / Buddhist festival : remember ancestors
Religious Festival : Hari Raya Puasa
-> Muslim festival : celebrate end of fasting month
Religious Festival : Good Friday
-> Christian Festival : commemorate the crucification of Jesus Christ
Religious Festival : Deepavali
-> Hindu Festival : celebrates spiritual victory of good over evil
Factor that shapes Identity : Socio-economic status
economic situation shared by a group of people measured by occupation , housing , income & education
socio-economic status in SG
individual/household income level is used as an indicator
household income
total sum of income of all working people in family
Socio-economic status may shape life experience as it affects the choice of housing, food , entertainment , activities which thus may influence the people an individual interacts with. due to different experiences of individuals, this shapes their identity
Socio-economic status scale
Lower SES -> Middle SES -> Higher SES
Lower & Higher SES - is it permanent?
NO. social mobility can occur
social mobility : movement between socio-economic status from lower to higher or higher to lower
Ways to aid Singaporeans with low SES: Financial Help 
-> MOE Financial Assistance Scheme ( FAS ) childcare subsidies
Ways to aid Singaporeans with low SES: Non Financial Help 
-> KidSTART program : launched by government to equip parents with knowledge and skills relevant to nurturing a child's development.
Factor that shapes identity : Nationality
citizens of same country of origin often live together in same country
-> share common history , practices , languages , experiences , traditions : build Sense Of Belonging
Factor that shapes identity : Nationality
You are overseas, you hear someone with singaporean accent and you may feel a sense of connection to them
Key value that Singaporeans cherish
MULTICULTURALISM
Behaviours associated with Singaporeans
deep respect of Multicultural & Multireligious harmony - Singlish/RHD
Common love of food - Hawker food
Commitment to bilingualism - learn both english and mother tongue languages
Besides Singaporeans, people of different nationalities live in singapore too
Immigrants ( singapore citizens / permanent residents )
Foreign workers / students
Why do people of different nationality come to singapore to live?
Presence of economic opportunity - education , job employment
Stable social environment - safety , good infrastructure and convenience ( accessability )
As people of different nationality come to singapore, they bring their distinct identities and practices unique to their country of origin which contribute to singapore's diversity. e.g increasing choice of cuisines in SG as more are present in SG