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https://hdl.handle.net/10356/73681
Title: | Poverty and meritocracy in Singapore | Authors: | Ang, Jonathan Choong Yew Chua, Joyce Hui Ping Zhang, Alethea Shimin |
Keywords: | DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Social stratification | Issue Date: | 2018 | Abstract: | Singapore is recognised to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Despite priding itself to be an inclusive country in terms of wealth distribution, there is increasing class inequality. Particularly, there have been cases of individuals struggling to make ends meet. This study aims to understand middle-class perceptions of ‘poverty’ and ‘the poor’. As a qualitative study, this research involved semi-structured interviews with thirty middle-class young adults in Singapore. The responses garnered reveal an undercurrent of meritocratic principles that seem to inform how they conceptualise ‘poverty’ and ‘the poor’. This is reflected in the emphasis on the importance of hard work and self-reliance, where one should not solely rely on government assistance. This paper draws upon these responses to discuss the implications of meritocracy as a value system and recommends some solutions to remedy the unintended consequences of implementing this system across all facets of life. | URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10356/73681 | Schools: | School of Humanities and Social Sciences | Rights: | Nanyang Technological University | Fulltext Permission: | restricted | Fulltext Availability: | With Fulltext |
Appears in Collections: | HSS Student Reports (FYP/IA/PA/PI) |
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File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Poverty & Meritocracy in Singapore.pdf Restricted Access | Main Report | 301.26 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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