CHANGING PERCEPTION OF ADOPTION IN SINGAPORE : THE CASE OF MALAY-MUSLIMS

Abstract

Adoption has been an ancient practice of the people in the Malay world. In this study, I aim to detect and discuss the changes that have taken place on the perception of and practice of Singapore Malay-Muslims adoption. Chapter one serves as an introduction to kinship theories and the definition of adoption. Comparison between American adoption and Oceanic adoption will also be presented. The focus of chapter two lies in Singapore Malay kinship and how it could be expanded to include nonrelated people, such as "adopted" or "fostered" children. In addition, changes in the source of adopted children and adopters will also be discussed. In chapter three, I will discussed the Islamic Laws on adoption and the extent of its impact on Malay-Muslims adoption practice. This chapter will also look into how Islam encourages adoption but yet does not recognize that adopted child as a real member of the adoptive family. In a modern society like Singapore, it is inevitable that there is increasing bureaucratization in all aspects of life. In the fourth chapter, a brief history of the legislation of adoption and the influence of this legislation has on Malay-Muslims adoption will be presented. In the concluding chapter, I will summarized my findings and speculate the future trends in Malay-Muslims adoption practices in Singapore.