NEGOTIATING IDENTITIES : SINGAPORE MIGRANTS IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

A rising trend in the flow of permanent migrants to destinations such as Australia and Canada is observed among Singaporeans. With migration comes the negotiation of national and ethnic identities. This study explores the reasons, processes and outcomes of such identity negotiation among Singapore migrants to Australia. It uses the concepts of unimodal and multi-local identities, the interaction with the "Other", constructed national identity, citizenship and expressive and instrumental ethnic identity to frame an analysis and understanding of the complex nature of identity negotiation. Empirical evidence is drawn from in-depth interviews with Singapore migrants to Australia. This study reveals that national identity is not bounded within a physical territory as suggested by the assertion of a Singaporean identity despite the migrants' presence in another country. This identity is a product of a sense of exclusion that arises out of interaction with the "Other". On the other hand, a new Australian identity has also evolved among some migrants. Its development takes place in two stages at the functional and emotional levels. It is acquired by both conscious and natural means through the process of assimilation. What constitutes both identities is also explored. Findings suggest that citizenship and national identity are non-identical. The negotiation of Chinese identity by Singapore migrants is explored next. Their definition of Chineseness is negotiated as they face contradictions in a transnational environment. They assert a Singaporean Chinese identity to distinguish themselves from the mainland Chinese. The adoption of an "Asian" identity is another form of ethnic identity negotiation. Evidence suggests that it coexists with the constructed Chinese identity. The Asian identity is instrumental in nature whereas the Chinese identity is expressive. This study concludes with some policy recommendations.