Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | 页面 149

Special Editions
There are not many examples of social integration provided in the literature
and a case study of Singapore in terms of social integration would be useful
as policies must translate to outcomes through implementation. In Singapore
the conscious efforts at social integration at the core can mean class and
ethnic integration through housing, health and education programmes. It is
also useful to note that social integration is not social conformity, but giving
sufficient sensitivity to cultural diversity. Instead of insisting on uniformity,
the enhancement of strengths and differences of individuals and groups
withi n a specific context is constructive. The will of the individuals and that
of the sub-groups can be respected in the integration process within a
national legislative and consensus framework.

Social Integration in Singapore
The Singapore government, through co-ordinated manpower planning
has held on to the key thrust that “every Singaporean counts” and can
contribute in nation building. As such, the aim of social policy is that of
creating conditions such that each Singaporean has a job, a home and equal
opportunities for education. While Singapore has become more affluent, it
is difficult for some members of society to maintain an acceptable standard
of living, especially with the global volatility. The approach is to provide a
wide range of programmes offered by the government, the voluntary sector
and the community to help those in need tide over difficult periods.
While the World Summit for Social Development has emphasized the
need for social integration, there was less mention of how this was to be
carried out. Examples of social integration in Singapore, particularly with
the housing programme, education and access to social services will be
highlighted.
Ethnicity, low-income family and social integration
Singapore is active in the social integration of different ethnic groups through
its public housing programme. Almost ninety percent of the population
today live in mixed public housing and nine in ten of these residents own
the apartments they live in. In the 1950s and 60s, most of Singapore live in
settlements marked by communal and ethnic groups. It was (and still is) the
conscious policy of the government, through the resettlement and housing
programme to integrate the population. Since the allocation of government
housing by ballot system, ethnic enclaves were dismantled and citizens now
live beside each other regardless of ethnicity and social background. To
some extent, social class, reflected in the size of the flats opted for, was also
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