Phoenix without wings: The negotiation of modernity among Straits Chinese women in early twentieth century Singapore

Abstract

Current scholarship has often neglected the social history of women in colonial Singapore since inclusion of Straits Chinese women in the historiography would challenge traditional periodisation of womena??s history in Singapore. The Straits Chinese community formed a distinct and economically important element of the Chinese population under British rule. In order to maintain their elite status, Straits Chinese clung firmly to their traditions particularly in the domestic sphere. Due to the domestic nature of this culture, Straits Chinese women became custodians of this culture and followed customs religiously. However, by the 1900s, Straits Chinese women became a site of contested identities, trapped between tradition and modernity. These women began negotiating with traditions and customs in creative ways, albeit with some limitations. To understand this transformation, it is necessary to examine internal developments within the Straits Chinese community as well as international influences that acted on this group of women.