Race and state in independent Singapore : the cultural politics of pluralism in a multiethnic society

As Singapore passes its 30th anniversary of independent statehood and contemplates the challenges that lie ahead, this text aims to assess the lessons of its development and to consider their comparative application.

The study focuses on one of the most visible aspects of the social organization of Singapore - the ethnic structure and its articulation with every other aspect of social life.

Ethnicity is a pervasive reality in Singapore, informing not only public policy, but also social and cultural interaction between citizens, the choice of mate, the choice of television viewing, the choice of language, dress, food and religious preferences.

The essays in the volume aim to present an up-to-date assessment of the nature of ethnicity in Singapore, trends in ethnic relations, and the relationship of ethnicity to other aspects of social policy.

The emphasis is on the social features of development, isolation and exploration of social structure and ethnic patterning. The study challenges the belief that Singapore has undergone a depluralization, and develops the theme that central to the understanding of this society and its cultural and religious manifestations, is the role of ethnicity.