THE PLACE OF MADRASAHS IN CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE

Abstract

The process of globalisation is seen by the state as having material outcomes in Singapore with the introduction of the term 'KBE' (Knowledge-Based Economy). To be able to fit into a KBE, education is identified as the main means in preparing Singaporeans for the paradigm shift in economy. Madrasahs (Islamic religious schools) are seen by the state as being 'out of place' within the context of this new economic paradigm. This is because the educational curriculum that is provided to their students is seen as being inadequate in providing their students with the skills needed for a global economy. This is in contrast to the curriculum provided in national schools. Because of this, madrasahs can be perceived as facing global-local tensions. The state also believes that Singaporeans need to be 'glued' as one nation in facing a global economy. Madrasah students have been pointed out as being underexposed to other cultures in Singapore, thus creating problems for national cohesion which the state has been trying to achieve. By not 'integrating' with the other cultures, this would create problems for the madrasah students whether socially or economically. Economic globalisation can thus also create tensions within the social sphere. This may then show the 'place' of the madrasahs in contemporary Singapore. Global-local nexus has been studied by many geographers. Due to globalisation, many parts of the world are said to be facing global-local tensions. Cultural geographers have assessed the impacts of globalisation on culture in many places. Most globalisation literature have demonstrated two things: either that global-local relations are oppositional or that the global-local nexus are relational. In this thesis, the two conceptions of global-local nexus will be explored within the context of the madrasahs to determine the place of the madrasahs in contemporary Singapore.