HONG KONG IMMIGRANTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study examines the social aspects of the initial adaptation phase of twenty Hong Kong immigrant families which arrived after the liberalisation of Singapore's immigration policy in July 1989. Only families in which the men were skilled workers were studied. The in-depth interview method with the help of an interview schedule was used. The study looks at the reasons why the immigrants chose to come to Singapore, the migration decision-making process, problems faced in the initial phase of resettlement, strategies used by the immigrants in overcoming their adaptation problems, and their attempts to establish ties with the host society. It also examines gender differences in immigration adaptation. It was found in this study that the main reason why the immigrants came was their perception that Singapore is a Chinese society; that a short time was taken in the decision-making process; and that language difficulty was the most common problem faced by both men and woman. To cope with the strain of migration, the families invariably changed in its organisation and structure. Coping strategies used by the families included maintaining continuity and familiarity, learning new behaviour, and striving for similarity. More women than men experienced psychological problems. Relegated to the traditional housewife role, women suffered role loss as a result of migration.