SOC205: The Sociological Concepts ‘Culture’, ‘Race’ and ‘Ethnicity’ Versus How These have Generally: Singapore Society Report, SUSS, Singapore

Culture and Society: Social Divisions in Singapore

News article report: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/majority-now-aware-of-race-religious-issues-but-study-flags-new-fault-lines

The article is based on a recently concluded study by IPS on fault lines in Singapore that could lead to social divisions. One of the reported findings related to government involvement in mitigating societal fault lines: Respondents saw a greater need for government involvement in mitigating social-economic class differences while religion and race were seen as having sufficient government involvement.

Referring to the related course readings as well as the above news report, examine Singapore’s approach to managing culture and class since independence, and suggest the extent of government involvement you think is necessary for the current context.

You are advised to limit your discussion to at most two areas (i.e. pertaining to race-ethnicity, religion or class), to allow for a more focused answer. In your answer, you should consider (but are not limited to) some of the following ideas, as you will find them helpful:

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’, as well as its management of religion, class, etc.

3. Singapore’s history as a plural society

4. ‘Race’, ‘ethnicity’, ‘religion’ and ‘class’ as components of Singapore society

It is important that you utilize and engage with the material and arguments from the course materials for your assignment, and to demonstrate sound sociological thinking.