Charting Singapore's social policy since WWII : abandoned welfarism only to usher in welfare again.

Abstract

Singapore's aversion to being regarded as a welfare state from 1960s onwards till today was in stark contrast to the years after World War Two, when the state had actually emulated the Western welfare states such as the United Kingdom in providing for the poor and sick. Using Esping-Andersen's models of welfare regimes as the basis, this essay tracks the changes in Singapore's social policy over three periods: post-war pre-independence years, post-independence years and the 21st century. It argues that the state's social policy post-independence is unique, since the state's hands-off stance to social security and the policies that were introduced during the developing years were successful in transforming many Singaporeans' lives. However, taking into consideration emerging issues that are affecting the nation today, specifically a low fertility rate and an ageing population, it is necessary for the government to rethink its minimalist welfare approach. In fact, this islandstate has already begun to reintroduce more welfare into its social policy the past decade.