ORGANIZED HELP IN SINGAPORE : A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

The study of welfare and its related phenomenon - volunteering in Singapore have not received significant sociological attention as compared to other disciplines such as social work and psycholo6ry. This paper is a sociological effort to remedy this situation. By adopting a holistic approach to examine the dynamism and interconnectedness of both the macro and micro structures of society, a more concrete understanding of welfare and volunteering is offered. This is revealed in several ways: (i) the nature of welfare and volunteering are negotiated by and embedded within the social. Therefore, these phenomena are affected by political, economic, social and ideological processes taking place at that point in time. However, these processes are in affected by individuals' decisions and actions in relation to welfare and volunteering. (ii) The welfare structure in this non-welfare state is based on three components - the state, the voluntary welfare organizations (VWOs) and the community. However, the burden of service provision falls on the shoulders of the VWOs particularly as a result of the government's policy on welfare. (iii) VWOs being the principal agent of welfare experienced substantive growth and qualitative development over the years since the 1930s. These are marked by an increase in the number of VWOs and the rising professionalism in services. (iv) Volunteering opportunities are dependent on the demographic profile, motivations and structural consideration of individuals and the demands by VWOs and even the state. These findings help to establish the existing structure and concerns about welfare and volunteering in their various dimensions in Singapore.