GES1028/SSA1201: The Singapore Perspectives Conference is organized annually by the Institute of Policy Studies: SINGAPORE SOCIETY Essay, NUS, Singapore

The Singapore Perspectives Conference is organized annually by the Institute of Policy Studies, with this year’s theme focusing on the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the summary of Forum 4: Identities and Cohesion here: https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/defaultsource/ips/sp2021-forum-4_summary.pdf The participants of this segment highlighted issues relating to multiculturalism, identities, and social cohesion in Singapore today.

Referring to the required course readings as well as the above forum proceedings, examine post-Independence Singapore’s approach to national identity formation and expression of (national) identity, especially pertaining to multiracialism/multiculturalism. Include in the discussion of possible implications for social cohesion in current times. (For further information, the link to the full video recording of Forum 4 is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izdgdlUl8us To demonstrate a basic understanding of the arguments put forth in Study Unit 2 and its readings; you may also derive insights from other relevant chapters. Additional research, only if needed, can be done from both academic and news databases in the SUSS library’s e-resources (e.g., JSTOR, Sage Sociology collection, SOC Index for academic resources; Factiva for news). Using the course readings, it is to develop a critical understanding of, and also question how Singapore society (particularly race and ethnicity) and identity have been managed after Independence. In the essay, must use and engage with the course readings, while briefly considering current developments in Singapore.

Note that the above forum is meant to provide the useful context of current issues for the essay but is not expected to scrutinize the issues discussed therein detail, as the forum video is not the focus of this assignment. In the essay, should consider (but are not limited to) some of the following ideas:

1. The sociological concepts ‘culture’, ‘race’ and ‘ethnicity’ versus how these have generally been used and handled in Singapore, according to Benjamin (1976)

2. Singapore’s specific brand and management of ‘multiracialism’

3. Singapore’s history as a plural society

4. ‘Race’, ‘ethnicity’, ‘religion’, and ‘class’ as components of Singapore society. It is essential that you utilize and engage with the content and arguments from the course materials for your assignment, and to demonstrate sound sociological thinking.