CHANGES IN THE TAMIL-HINDU FAMILIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This exercise seeks to provide a socio-historical account of some of the significant changes in the Tamil-Hindu families in Singapore, with special reference to the Kaundar community, over a period of fifty years. For this purpose, it uses available data and a case study interview method based on a life-course perspective. It discusses briefly, the problems of defining family and the more pertinent causes of familial changes. A historical background to the Indian immigrants to Malaya is given in an attempt to further an understanding of the reasons for their emigration from India and immigration into Malaya. It looks at the various methods of recruitment and ways through which the labour and non-labour immigrants arrived here. The main characteristics of these people are also highlighted. The changes in the families are analysed under three headings: structural, attitudinal and marriage. Structural changes, based on available data, deal with the major changes in the socioeconomic features of the Indians. The other two sections use data gathered through the fieldwork done. Changes in the value and belief system of the Tamil-Hindus will be the major concern in the section on attitudinal changes. The variation in the roles of the individual and family in the institution of marriage will be discussed under the final heading. The exercise concludes that stability of the family remains the paramount objective of Tamil-Hindus.