FASHION : CHINESE ETHNIC CLOTHINGS

Abstract

This study sets out to enquire the apparent decline in the use of Chinese ethnic clothings among Singaporean Chinese women. It is held that a correspondence between self-image and the stereotypes that one has of ethnic clothings will result in its adoption. Similarly, if there is an incongruity between self-image and stereotype of ethnic clothings, this would potentially explain the decline in the use of Chinese ethnic clcthings. The self-image of Singaporean women today is believed to be one of modernity while traditionalism is associated with ethnic clothings. To facilitate analysis, interviews and experiments were conducted. The interviews aimed to find a list of stereotypes of ethnic clothings held by Singaporean Chinese women. It also attempted to see if these women wear their ethnic clothings and their reasons for doing so, specifically, if it is due to the correspondence between self-image and stereotypes of ethnic clothings that led to its adoption. Experiments in which I donned on the cheongsam or samfoo, to observe reactions from others and myself, were conducted with the purpose of linking the generalized findings from the interviews to specific situations under formal and informal conditions.