Social Cohesion In Social Cohesion In SingaporeSingapore

Multi- Ethnic Societies In Singapore

Necessity Of Peace And Harmony Among Societies

Challenges Faced by Multi- Ethnic Societies In Singapore

Bringing About Social Cohesion

Strategies Adopted To Prevent Conflicts Role Of The Government

Are The Policies Effective in Bringing About Social Cohesion

Examples

Necessity Of Peace and Necessity Of Peace and Harmony In SingaporeHarmony In Singapore

Singapore is a multi-

racial and multi-religious society.

Therefore, there is a need to manage the ethnic diversity to ensure that we live in harmony with all Singaporean despite the differences in culture, religion and race.

However, Singapore’s social cohesion and harmony can be easily destroyed. There are several threats that we have to be careful about.

Challenges Faced By Challenges Faced By Multi- Ethnic Societies In Multi- Ethnic Societies In

SingaporeSingapore Managing perceptions

of different religious groups (Maria Hertogh Riots In 1950)

Managing perceptions of different racial groups (Racial Riots In 1964)

Threats from external forces(Transnational Terrorism)

Maria Hertogh Riot in Maria Hertogh Riot in 19501950

Her parents were imprisoned by the Japanese, and put her under care of a Malay lady and Maria is raised as a Muslim and married a Malay teacher.

After her parents were released they demanded for maria back and court trail gave the custody to the parents and there is unhappiness from the malays. Riots broke out outside the court as Muslims felt that court had been unfair.

24hr curfew was imposed for 2 weeks.

What does the Maria Hertogh riots shows?

Shows the sensitivity of religious issues and the need to handle them with care.

Racial Riots In 1964Racial Riots In 1964

The 1964 Race Riots were a series of riots that took place in Singapore during two separate periods in July and September between Chinese and Malay groups.

The first incident occurred on 21 July during a Malay procession that marked

Muhammad's birthday. In total, the violence

killed 36 people and injured another 556.

About 3,000 people were arrested.

What does the Racial Riots show?

Illustration of how easily harmony can be broken with irresponsible media and triggers like racial issues.

Transnational TerrorismTransnational Terrorism

Jemaah Islamiah (JI) militant group

Arrests made in Singapore since 2001.

Suspects arrested in Singapore planned attacks

on U.S. Navy ships. Activities included fund-

raising & purchase of bomb making materials

Alerted the fact war against terrorism is an on-going thing

These acts can cause ill-feelings among different ethnic groups and threaten racial & religious harmony

Bringing About Social Bringing About Social CohesionCohesion

Building a National Identity -Multi Racialism

-Common Practices -Bilingualism Safeguarding the interests

of the minority groups-Minority Representation

-Self Help Groups Developing a Common Space -Events Organized By Grassroots Organisations -Opportunities offered by educational institutions-Opportunities offered by educational institutions -Common living space provided by public housing-Common living space provided by public housing -Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony -Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony

Circles (HCs)Circles (HCs) -Shared experience through National Service-Shared experience through National Service

Strategies Adopted To Prevent Conflicts

Building a National Building a National IdentityIdentity

Multi RacialismMulti Racialism

This policy ensures equality among the races, with no special rights given to any group.

Since everyone is seen as a valued member, a national identity as Singaporeans is created.

Equality among all races.

Common PracticesCommon Practices

Activities carried out together.

Eg.singing the national anthem, the pledge & flag raising ceremony.

These practices foster a common identity.

Inculcate loyalty and national pride.

Building a National Building a National IdentityIdentity

BilingualismBilingualism Introduced in 1966 Students to learn English & their Mother Tongue As English is a non-native language, no one has an

advantage over others English is also the language linking all the different races Use of Mother Tongue to impart values and cultural

traditions

Safeguarding the Safeguarding the interests interests

of the minority groupsof the minority groupsMinority RepresentationMinority Representation

Such a policy gives minority groups a say in governance

To safeguard interests of minority groups

PCMR (Presidential Council of Minority Right)

No racial or religious group is disadvantaged

GRC (Group Representation Constituency)

Ensures that minority race is represented in the parliament

Self-help groups

CDAC, SINDA, MENDAKI & Eurasian Association

Aid in studies of the less privilege

Gives moral support Tuition classes

participated by all races (interaction)

Developing A Common Developing A Common SpaceSpace

Events/ Programmes Events/ Programmes organised by organised by grassroots grassroots

organisationsorganisations PA – People’s Association Create common space

through their wide range of programmes

Eg. Home stay opportunity for a student with a host family from another ethnic group

Builds respect and friendship

Opportunities offered Opportunities offered by educational by educational

institutionsinstitutions Open to ALL Daily interaction between

students provides opportunities for students of different ethnic groups to form strong friendships/ bonds

CCAs- promote closer bonds between youths of different ethnic groups

Developing A Common Developing A Common SpaceSpace

Common living space Common living space provided by public provided by public

housinghousing

1980s – too many people from same racial group living in same estates

Could hinder social bonding 1989 – ethnic integration

policy introduced Limits proportion of races in

every neighbourhood and block

To ensure even distribution of races

Inter-Racial Confidence Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Circles (IRCCs) and

Harmony Circles (HCs)Harmony Circles (HCs)

Provide common space to Provide common space to foster greater foster greater understanding among diff understanding among diff ethnic groupsethnic groups

Important that these Important that these activities are organised for activities are organised for a long-term basis rather a long-term basis rather than a one-off activitythan a one-off activity

To Appreciate and develop respect