Negotiation of the Singapore auntie identity

Abstract

The Singaporean Auntie identity can be seen as doubly problematized because of the stigmatized stereotypes associated with Singaporean Aunties and the stigmatization of old age. To find out how the concepts of social stigma and age old identity are associated with each other, this paper aims to study how Singaporean Aunties negotiate their identities amidst the existing notions of a negative stigmatization placed on them. Using the symbolic interactionist perspective, this paper thus answers the question of what factors influences the process of identity negotiation and identity formation of Singaporean Aunties, and what are their responses based on those factors. Using a qualitative approach, 8 Chinese Singaporean Aunties between the ages of 58 to 67 were identified and their responses were gathered trough semi-structured in-depth interviews. According to the results that have been gathered, it is realized that the negotiation of identities are affected by consciousness of the stigmatization, situational and structural factors, as well as moral culture brought about through education. The results have also witnessed the implications of these factors upon their identity negotiation process.