social studies (chapter 7)

• Responding to socio-cultural diversity


  The way we respond towards issues arising from socio-cultural diversity makes a difference. Responding in a way that deepens meaningful understanding and cultivates mutually respectful relationships with those around enables us to harness our diversity and live harmoniously.
• When we react in anger with insensitive and hurtful words or actions


  We fuel sentiments of unhappiness and criticism
• When we respond constructively


  We help others to understand the impact of their actions, we can help raise awareness and address areas of ignorance. This promotes understanding of cultural differences and paves the way for deeper engagements to strengthen cohesion in a socio-cultural diversity.
• Community groups


  • Citizens with common interest can organise themselves into formal or informal community groups to contribute towards specific needs or issues in society
• Community group


  • Welcome In My Backyard (WIMBY) is a youth led group to raise awareness about the lives of migrant workers and aims to promote positive interactions between migrant workers and citizens
• It takes a collective effort to maintain harmonious interactions in a diverse society. Initiatives and proactive responses of individuals and community groups help shape the attitudes and actions of the general public. They help to develop a deeper understanding between different socio-cultural groups and a spirit of accommodation and trust.
• Government response


  Policies that help guide people from different socio-cultural backgrounds, such as immigrants, in becoming part of the country
• Immigrants bring their unique identities shaped by their beliefs and practices from their country of origin. These beliefs and practices may be similar or different from those of the host country.
• When immigrants bring their identities that are different from those of the majority of the host country, it may create friction between the citizens of the host country. This is where the government policies take place.
• Assimilation policies


  • Immigrants are expected to adopt the beliefs and practices of the majority group in the host country
  • Over time, the identities of the assimilated group are expected to become identical to those of the majority group in the host country
• Countries with assimilation policies


  • Denmark, Germany & France
• France's assimilation policies


  France believes that the ideal harmony in society is achieved when every individual puts aside his or her connections to race, ethnicity and religion. While France acknowledges the existence of diverse cultural identities, it believes that the French national identity should be prioritised over other identities.
• Assimilation programmes in France


  1. Immigrants can attend a four day civic training course in French principles and values, as well as practical aspects of life in French society

  2. Up to 600 hours of free language courses are also offered to help immigrants master French in their everyday life
• These programmes ensure immigrants will be able to interact with other french citizens and be able to adopt french attitudes and beliefs that will strengthen their French national identity.
• Tensions in upholding the French national identity


  Recognising the role of culture and religion in the identities of immigrants and respecting their right to practice their religion
• Integration policies


  • Minority groups and immigrants retain their unique identity while forging common ground with the majority group of the host country
• Countries with integration policies


  • New Zealand, Canada and Singapore
• Singapore's integration policies


  The Singapore identity is anchored in the shared value of upholding law and order, respecting racial and religious harmony and a commitment to working together for a better future. Differences in practices, customs and traditions of the different groups are recognised and respected. Equality is promoted without granting social rights to any racial, ethnic or religious groups.
• Integration process in Singapore


  1. Immigrants need to make the effort to adjust to local culture, values and practices but locals must also welcome immigrants from diverse cultures and help them adjust to life in singapore

  2. This facilitates meaningful interactions between Singaporeans and immigrants. It provides opportunities for them to experience different ethnic cultures and religions in Singapore and for them to learn about the other aspects of living here. This helps to deepen mutual understanding, build relationships and develop a stronger connection to singapore.
• National Service in Singapore


  Having common experiences such as National Service (NS) provides opportunities for immigrants and locals to interact with one another. People from diverse backgrounds are brought together to train and live together. Through the common experience, NS men learn to develop a strong sense of collective interest. This experience helps strengthen the relationships between them and create a strong singapore national identity.
• Tensions in Singapore's integration policies


  Tensions still exist between locals and immigrants due to the perceived erosion of the Singaporean identity and the difference in norms and values of immigrants. Singaporeans may have negative stereotypes or assumptions of an immigrant's behaviour and values based on his or her country of origin. Conversely, immigrants may shy away from interacting if they feel locals are not open and welcoming towards them.
• Responding to socio-economic diversity


  Individuals can play their part by contributing their time, effort and money to meet areas of needs in society. They can start ground up initiatives and mobilise resources to distribute food to those in need. They can also volunteer with existing organisations to provide services to other groups in society, such as helping out at mobile clinics for the elderly.
• Individual response


  • In 2014, Mr Nizar Mohammed Shariff started a charity called Free Food For All (FFFA) to provide nutritious halal food to the less fortunate.
• Community group responses


  • Formal and informal groups can step in by providing support in the form of financial aid, guidance and resources to people in society who do not have enough resources and opportunities to progress.
• Community group response


  • Keeping Hope Alive (KHA) is an informal group whose volunteers offer their time and skills to help the less privileged in Singapore.
• Government-financed approach (Sweden)


  Sweden practises this method to provide social services to their citizens regardless of their background or socio-economic status. The government provides substantial subsidies, allowances and opportunities to equip individuals with skills for employment.
• Government-financed approach in Sweden


  • All families are covered by a medical protection scheme and dental care costs are free for local residents till the age of 23. Dental care from the age of 24 is subsidised.
  • Sweden provides a free school lunch to every child and all students have access to a school doctor, nurse, psychologist and school welfare at zero costs.
• Challenges faced by Sweden's government-financed approach


  • High taxation rate
  • Ageing population
  • High immigrant employment rates
• Shared-responsibility approach (Singapore)


  Many helping hands such as individuals and families, community groups and the government work together to address issues related to socio-economic diversity and meet the needs of society. The government provides targeted assistance to individuals and families who are unable to support and provide for themselves and where support from community groups is inadequate.
• Challenges faced by Singapore's shared-responsibility approach


  • Ageing population
  • Increase in taxation
  • Limitations in upskilling and training