The effects of modernization on filial piety in singapore
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(Post) modernization Flowing from economic development, modernization seems to influence the traditional values and behaviour of Singaporean women. Divale and Seda (2001) studied how this effect occurs. They found that modern views on the role of women in society can improve their socio-economic status. However, it can also affect traditional roles and family life in a way that women are unconsciously pressured to conform to modern expectations, like pursuing a career. Modernization can be defined as ‘’a change from traditional customs and behaviours to ones that are forced or voluntarily borrowed from a dominant society that results in changes in the behaviour and worldview of its people or customs.’’ (p. 129) The development of the economic position of women goes hand in hand with modernization and the question is whether these changes also affect traditional behaviour expressed in the practice of filial piety. Wang (2007) investigated postmodern values in seven Confucian societies, among which Singapore. He analyzed priorities in life and identified a shift in three phases: modernizing societies tend to be survival-centered; modern societies tend to be achievement-centered; and postmodern societies tend to be enjoyment-centered. Singapore was considered a modern society, moving towards post modernization. Survival goals are quite primitive needs, whereas achievement goals are ‘’an individual’s desire to achieve materially and socially’’ (p.344). Achievement goals in Confucian societies are usually realized by hard work. Increased labour market participation rates for women confirm these indicators of modernization. After basic needs and desires are satisfied, enjoyment, self- expression and empowerment become increasingly important. Pereira (2006) discussed how the modernization processes lead to greater individualism. Individualism enhances autonomy, personal aspirations and opportunities for self-expression. In contemporary Singapore, these values are difficult to combine with filial responsibilities and the natural development in modern societies is a shift towards more formal care arrangements (Margherita, O'Dorchai, & Bosch, 2009). Pereira (2006) also investigated whether family values are still strong or affected by the process of individualization. The findings showed that most Singaporeans do value family highly, but that this is deteriorating among the younger generation (≤ 37 years). However, that could also be explained by difficulties in combining work-family life rather than individualization. Even if the younger generation is still committed to filial duties, the lack of public support and economic necessity to work complicates their abilities to do so. Yeoh & Huang (2009) recognized these limitations, especially for Singaporean women. Women are expected to succeed in both work and private life, but that puts a lot of pressure on them. Consequently, many women choose to do either instead of both (Vaswani, 2015).
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The discussion about the effects of modernization on filial piety has been addressed by many scholars and whether these effects are positive or negative can be argued for both sides. Cheung and Kwan (2009) used two perspectives regarding this discussion: a structural-functionalist view and an alternative, socialist view. On the one hand, the structural-functionalist view underlines the necessity of formal care initiatives, because modernization and economic growth have led to an increased work force living farther away from parents. Pursuing a career without having to hold back for filial duties better fits the modern reality of contemporary Singapore. Moreover, the increased distance reduces the possibilities to practice filial piety. Thus, new times call for new socio-economic structures in care. On the other hand, the alternative, socialist view argues that the increase in economic resources and education levels rather enables the practice of filial piety. However, this positive effect can only occur in ‘’a socialist society that instils and promotes filial piety and intergenerational solidarity.’’ (p. 183) Education in Singapore is used as a means to create such a society with lots of training in moral ethics from an early age on. Above all, the government stresses the importance of filial piety to a great extent and offers financial benefits to realize support from families. Cheung and Kwan (2009) found that higher education levels counter the negative impact of modernization on filial piety, because of two factors: (1) higher educated people gain more training; (2) higher educated people are less susceptible for modern influences, because of their intellect and self-consciousness. Besides, higher education levels form a starting point for a successful life and admirable achievements through hard work, which complies with the pleasing dimension of filial piety. Achievement is highly valued in Asian societies and contributes to great family honor.
THE ECONOMIC POSITION OF WOMEN The female labour force participation rate has grown a lot over time and this development is expected to continue (Government of Singapore, 2016). For many years the economic position of women has strengthened, but not without difficulties. Already in 1999, a book appeared on the paradoxes Singaporean women have to face during their climb up the socio-economic ladder. It is called ‘’The Three Paradoxes: Working Women in Singapore’’ (Lee, Campbell, & Chia-Chan, 1999). It goes on in-depth about the difficulties in combining modern and traditional roles, especially regarding expectations of others and corporate behaviour. Jahan (1999) reviewed the book and discussed each paradox. The first paradox addresses the expectations of the Singaporean society that women should be hard workers and contribute to the economy, while at the same time fulfill traditional roles as wife and mother. The second paradox is about the conflict resulting from combining these roles, which is caused by the assumption that household tasks are women’s work and the inflexible attitude of many organizations. The last paradox points out the opposition women face when trying to move up in their Yüklə 1,2 Mb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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