ON "FOREIGN" SOIL: A STUDY OF BANGLADESHI WORKERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The crux of this thesis is to examine the social experiences of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Singapore. Apart from being mere economic agents, the Bangladeshi foreign workers need to be recognized as social actors as well. As a host society, Singapore constantly faces the potential 'problems' that foreign migrant workers may cause. However, it needs to be remembered that we cannot simply absorb the economic 'man' in the foreign worker without feeling his social existence upon Singapore soil. Confronted with a vastly different social climate, their temporal stay in Singapore poses a challenge in defining their individual and collective social identity. As Singapore plays host to increasing numbers of foreign workers, this study would also shed light on the struggles that they face, while trying to integrate into society.