Forging the nation with the other : nation building and Eurasian identity.

Abstract

The Eurasian community constitute 0.5% of the Singapore population. This research project explores the situation of the ethnic Eurasian minority within a multicultural Singapore society and the intervening processes of state on the ethnic minority. Since independence multiculturalism has been a foundational tenet in the Singapore State. The social management of Singapore’s ethnic groups will be explored through two particular policies: the ethnic integration policy (EIP) and the bilingual policy, which are disseminated by the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) respectively. The principal aim of the research is to examine the impacts of state policies on the construction of Eurasian ethnic identity. Using qualitative research methods, an intergenerational study between senior and youth participants. The results of this study were discussed to show the difference and changes because of state policies on the ethnic identity of the two groups . The findings also indicate how individuals construct, reconstruct and negotiate their ethnic identity.