Browsing through the internet, I came upon an article ‘The future of Singapore is mixed’ (http://www.newsintercom.org/index.php?itemid=436). According to the article, ‘between 2002 and 2004, about 10% of marriages under the Women's Charter was inter-ethnic, that is where a person married someone from another race. During the same period, about 20% of marriages under the Muslim Law Act was inter-ethnic.’
(Photo: A wedding shoot for an inter-racial marriage.)
This is the issue that has caught my attention and interest. Growing up in a multi-racial country, many of us are aware of the presence of the different races. However, are we really able to come together and grow as one country? It seems almost probable that inter-ethnicity marriages will help glue Singaporeans together, into a country where we no longer have the category of different races. On the other hand, will it lead to the loss of multi-racial heritage that Singapore is known for?
With inter-ethnic marriages becoming more and more common in our country, what are the possible implications on the ethnic groups and culture? Is there really a trend for people to be married to another of a different race or ethnic group? What are the younger generation’s views on inter-ethnic marriage? Are our parents aware of our thoughts and opinions?
The objective of such a research is to provide the older generation with a better understanding of their children’s views on inter-ethnic marriages. In order to do so, a survey to find out the views of the younger generation will be conducted. The survey will be targeted at single adults between the ages of 22 and 30. Its purpose is to find out if single adults, with influence from globalization and the multi-ethnicity that Singaporeans are exposed do, are tending to search for a partner of a different ethnicity. If such a tendency is apparent, what are the reasons for it, and whether they are aware of the social implications.
(Photo: A wedding shoot for an inter-racial marriage.)This is the issue that has caught my attention and interest. Growing up in a multi-racial country, many of us are aware of the presence of the different races. However, are we really able to come together and grow as one country? It seems almost probable that inter-ethnicity marriages will help glue Singaporeans together, into a country where we no longer have the category of different races. On the other hand, will it lead to the loss of multi-racial heritage that Singapore is known for?
With inter-ethnic marriages becoming more and more common in our country, what are the possible implications on the ethnic groups and culture? Is there really a trend for people to be married to another of a different race or ethnic group? What are the younger generation’s views on inter-ethnic marriage? Are our parents aware of our thoughts and opinions?
The objective of such a research is to provide the older generation with a better understanding of their children’s views on inter-ethnic marriages. In order to do so, a survey to find out the views of the younger generation will be conducted. The survey will be targeted at single adults between the ages of 22 and 30. Its purpose is to find out if single adults, with influence from globalization and the multi-ethnicity that Singaporeans are exposed do, are tending to search for a partner of a different ethnicity. If such a tendency is apparent, what are the reasons for it, and whether they are aware of the social implications.
4 comments:
Hello Pei Yu,
I think that this research topic is very interesting as even though Singapore is such a peaceful nation amidst a multiracial and multicultural backdrop, the topic of inter marriages is still considered a taboo in most households.
I believe that the main reason is that individuals are wary of the potential cultural friction upon integration into another race. Also, there is family objection from elderly, conservative parents who fear the cultural traditions will not be followed with the integration of 2 cultures.
Thus, i believe that this will be a beneficial research survey topic to educate the public on the social stigma in such marriages.
Hui Ming
Oh, I wonder why you didn't pursue this idea? Maybe a bit controversial? I suppose inter-ethnic marriages will become more common as the world becomes more globalised. The only real obstacle to this is religion, I think. Usually,those who are true believers of their faith fnd it difficult to compromise on this even for 'love.'
Anyway, you switched topic to something of universal interest. Which bodies could you approach with your findings and to what end?
I'm thinking here of your lettter of transmittal.
Teacher-Fiona
Hi Peiyu,
This is a very interesting topic considering that there are 4 major ethnic groups living on the same island. In fact, the marriages do not only include the citizens. The Straits Times recently reported that four in 10 Singaporeans last year married permanent residents or foreigners, with close to 90% of these non-citizen spouses from Asia. The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) attributed the trend to globalization, noting that Singaporeans routinely travel overseas for work, study and leisure, and the fact that as the country becomes more vibrant and cosmopolitan leads to more foreigners choose to live and work here. All these provide more opportunities for interactions between Singaporeans and foreigners, which may explain the statics gathered.
This will bring intercultural communication a step further as there will be 2 different cultures living under the same roof. One implication that I read about is the citizenship for the children of these couples. As sociologist Dr Paulin Straughan said, these children have one foot in each culture and country but Singapore may end up losing talents if the other parent is from a First World country.
Perhaps that would be food for thought!
Jimmy
ES2007S Group 2
Dear Pei Yu,
Your topic was an interesting one! Being a multicultural country, citizens in Singapore have been exposed to many different cultures and are used to living in peace with one another. It is of no surprise that inter-ethnic marriages are increasing today.
The stigmata of inter-ethnic marriages in the past was much more severe than today. Children of parents from different ethnic groups were especially innocent, since many people (often from the same ethnic group) were prejudiced against them and felt that they were "impure".
However, there are always two sides to a coin. Instead of rejecting the child who is a "mixed-blood", why can't they (the people who are prejudiced) be more positive and accept the child as someone who belong to both the ethnic group of his or her parents?
Just some food for thought!
Jia Yi =)
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