How does the search for meaning lead young Singaporeans to pursue an unconventional life path?

Abstract

The research question this project answers is how the search for sacred experiences and sacred spaces lead Singaporean youths to pursue an unconventional life path. I study Singaporean girls who aspire to become Kpop idols in order to uncover one possible process. In this paper I find out how they perceive the life they aspire to have, how they perceive the life they currently have and apply concepts of sacred and profane experience (Graburn 1989). I also use Cohen’s concept of sacred centres (1979) to understand why they feel the need to leave Singapore to find meaning in life.

Key words: sacred, profane, Kpop, Korean pop music, youths, Singapore