CHILDCARE IN SINGAPORE : CULTURAL CHOICES AND CONSTRAINTS WITHIN THE MALAY COMMUNITY

Abstract

Modernization is a phenomenon that has resulted in changes in almost all aspects of life in Singapore. The Malays of Singapore have not been excluded from this phenomenon. Following Singapore's almost three decades of independence, the Malays have been affected by national developmental policies: they have experienced changes to their physical and socio-economic setting, due to these policies. However, as many researchers have pointed out, the Malays still have a stronghold onto their traditional socio-cultural values. To what extent these values still have a major influence in shaping the daily lives of the Malays is one area in which this study aims to look at. Specifically, the study aims to have a better understanding of the Malays' attitude and perceptions to family life, and childcare options and arrangements; focusing particularly on the influence of their religion, Islam. The Malays' attitudes and arrangements in the past traditional context of the 1950s and 1960s will be researched, as a basis for comparison of childcare attitudes and arrangements within the present context of modem Singapore. The Malays' cultural needs with regards to childcare, however, do not take place in a social vacuum. State and organisational perspectives and provision to childcare invariably do influence the Malays use of formal care as a childcare option. Hence the study will also discuss aspects of state and organisational, particularly, Muslim organisations', provision of childcare services. The study aims to conclude that the Malays' cultural attitudes have continued to shape their daily lives: their family lives ' and their attitudes to childcare options and arrangements.