Chapters 4 & 5 – Addressing Societal Needs and Managing Diversity

25 question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 4 (Addressing Societal Needs) and 5 (Diversity) including roles of government, individuals, examples of initiatives, and definitions of race, ethnicity, religion, SES, nationality, GRC and EIP policies.

What are the three broad objectives highlighted in Chapter 4 for addressing the needs of society?

(1) Responding to issues and challenges facing different groups, (2) Influencing decision-making in public affairs, and (3) Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging.

How can the government respond to complex challenges faced by certain groups in society?

By creating structures and national programmes and providing resources in a targeted manner so the community can show care to those in need.

In what ways can individuals or community groups help meet societal needs?

They can offer knowledge, skills and experience, initiate new efforts, and tap on government resources, programmes and structures to supplement their initiatives.

How can government enable citizens to influence decision-making in public affairs?

By providing equal and fair opportunities and platforms for citizens to participate in public-policy discussions.

How can individuals or community groups directly influence public-policy decisions?

By sharing opinions through engagement platforms and working with government agencies to craft recommendations based on rigorous discussion and consensus.

What actions contribute to strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging?

Showing care, taking action to help one another, building common experiences, and feeling they have a stake in shaping the country’s future.

Name one way the government can strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging.

Providing citizens with a stake in national affairs as well as structures and funding that foster unity and shared identity.

How can individuals or community groups build a shared identity in Singapore?

By sharing and creating common spaces, experiences and values, and fostering attachment to the nation’s history, people and places.

Who is Mdm Malligeswary and what did her efforts demonstrate?

She is an individual who identified a community need she was passionate about and used her knowledge, skills and experience to help others, illustrating the impact of individual volunteerism.

What is RSVP Singapore and how does it serve the community?

It is an organisation of qualified senior volunteers who train other volunteers to serve societal needs, highlighting community-led capacity building.

What role does the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) play?

NCSS develops resources to enhance the capabilities of Social Service Agencies (SSAs) across Singapore.

What is REACH and its primary purpose?

REACH is the national feedback and engagement unit under the Ministry of Communications and Information, set up to gather public views on policies and listen to citizens’ concerns.

How was the Citizens’ Jury structured and what was its goal?

It involved 76 citizen jurors and 21 experts over four sessions in seven weeks to share resources, experiences, and craft recommendations on public issues.

What did the Dakota Crescent ground-up project aim to achieve?

It used Dakota Crescent as a case study to preserve community memories and assist residents affected by relocation.

Define the term “race.”

Race refers to the biological classification of people based on physical characteristics.

Define “ethnicity.”

Ethnicity is based on the culture of a group sharing common ancestry, customs and traditions.

What does it mean for a society to be socio-culturally diverse?

It consists of people of different races, ethnicities, religions and nationalities.

What is the definition of “religion”?

An organised collection of attitudes, beliefs, values, practices and worldviews that can influence an individual’s thinking and interactions.

Define socio-economic status (SES).

SES is the economic situation shared by a group in society, often measured by indicators such as income, education, occupation and housing type.

List two indicators commonly used to determine socio-economic status.

Income level and educational attainment (other indicators include occupation and housing type).

Give one way socio-economic status may influence a person’s daily life.

It can shape choices in housing, food, entertainment, social activities and friendship circles.

What is nationality?

Being a citizen of or belonging to a particular country, often sharing common history, language, practices and traditions.

What is the purpose of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) scheme?

To ensure that at least one Member of Parliament in each team comes from the Malay, Indian or another minority community, thus guaranteeing minority representation.

Why was the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) introduced for HDB housing?

To ensure a balanced mix of ethnic groups within each HDB block, encouraging interaction and preventing ethnic enclaves.

What do the CMIO categories stand for in Singapore’s context?

Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others – the four official racial categories used for administrative and policy purposes.