Singapore Society

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

A sociological analysis of society often focuses on how that society is imagined, constructed and operationalized through the establishment and adoption of certain norms and ideologies which can also be seen in extreme terms as ideals. While ideals are often designed to guide action, they do not always create the intended effect in a homogenous fashion. As a result, they are challenged, and their inadequacies and impossible achievements are laid bare. In this module, we will approach the study of Singapore society with these concerns in mind. Our approach will subject some salient institutions of Singapore society to sociological inquiry and critique. We will use sociological perspectives to reflect on some taken-for-granted understandings of Singapore society that you may be familiar with, and subject them to sociological inquiry and debate. We will aim to do this through dialoguing with the readings, lectures and tutorial materials. We hope that you will be able to appreciate the diverse social, political, historical processes and legacies, problems and contradictions that have constructed Singapore society.