Beyond "Rubber Prices" history: Life in Singapore during the great depression years

Abstract

<P>THIS DISSERTATION IS A SOCIAL HISTORY WHICH ATTEMPTS TO RECREATE HOW LIFE WAS LIKE FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE IN SINGAPORE DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THE EARLY 1930S. THE THESIS EXAMINES THE SLUMPA??S VARIED IMPACT ON BUSINESSES, WAGES AND EMPLOYMENT IN SINGAPORE AND HOW EFFECTIVELY PEOPLE RESPONDED TO THE CRISIS. IT STUDIES HOW FAR THE DISTRESS WAS ALLEVIATED BY IMMIGRATION CONTROLS AND THE FALL IN COST OF LIVING AT THE SOCIETAL LEVEL, AND BY MUTUAL HELP, BASED ON FAMILY AND KINSHIP TIES, AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL. IT APPEARS THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE FACTORS, LIFE FOR MANY PEOPLE WAS NOT AS DIFFICULT AS MIGHT BE SUPPOSED. SINGAPORE WAS NOTABLY QUIESCENT DURING THE SLUMP. MORTALITY AND CRIME, TWO KEY INDICES ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE, WERE GENERALLY SATISFACTORY AFTER 1930, WHILE THE ISLAND WAS ALSO SPARED SERIOUS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL UPHEAVAL.</P>