CHAPTER 6: +VE/-VE IMPACTS OF LIVING IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY

Chapter 4 mentions the types of diversity. Can you identify them?

• Race and ethnicity

• Religion

• Socio-economic status (SES)

• Nationality

Chapter 5 mentioned the reasons for diversity in Singapore. Can you identify?

• Immigration Policy (require manpower, relax immigration), Favourable economic opportunities (best investment and growth potential, easy set up, competitive advantage)

• Decline in number of marriages (pursue of education, career advancement, late marriage or no marriage), decline in birthrate

• Good governance (capable, least corrupted, good policies), Conducive socio-cultural environment for living (quality education, low crime rate, strong community support)

• Longevity (ageing population due to advancement of medical technology)

Chapter 6 mentions the positive impacts of diversity. Can you identify them?

• Opportunities for technological advancement. For instance, new investment in medical technologies.

• Cultural exchange and appreciation. For instance, fusion in the areas of food, music and fashion.

• Opportunities for earlier retirement. For instance, there are more immigrants who can help to cover our job.

• Exchange of skills and knowledge. For instance, collaborations with foreign scientist in the areas of research and development.

Chapter 6 mentions the negative impacts of diversity. Can you identify them?

• Long queues at immigration checkpoints

• Prejudice and misconceptions (judgemental, stereotypes, discrimination)

• Loss of common space

• Competition for resources (opportunities, services, infrastructures, living space)

Chapter 6 mentioned about common space. What is common space?

• Refers to public spaces such as libraries, coffee shops, neighbourhood, shopping malls etc.

• Refers to platforms which provides opportunities for people of different nationalities, race and ethnicities, religions and socio-economic status to come together to work, play, live together and have common experiences.

• Refers to places which allows people from all walks of life to come together and to interact.

• Refers to spaces like classrooms, canteen and basketball court.

The ________ helps to create common space by offering a wide range of community activities, events, volunteer work and gatherings to promote racial harmony and cohesion.

• Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC)

• OnePeople.sg

• People's Association (PA)

• Our Singapore Conversation (OSC)

The ________ helps to promote racial and religious harmony through heritage trails, talks and dialogues and various ethnic and religious celebrations.

• Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC)

• OnePeople.sg

• People's Association (PA)

• Our Singapore Conversation (OSC)

The ________ helps to foster interactions and friendships among different ethnic communities through projects and activities.

• Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC)

• OnePeople.sg

• People's Association (PA)

• Our Singapore Conversation (OSC)

Organisations like IRCCs, OnePeople.sg and PA are important

• as they create job opportunities for the ageing population

• as they help to facilitate communication and promote understanding among the different communities

• as they make use of common spaces to promote positive interactions, bonding and social cohesion

• as they provide support for families who need financial help

Which of the following is an example of a fusion of culture?

• 
• 
• 
• all of the above