SEKOLAH MANA? : A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS ON THE CHOICE OF EDUCATION AMONGST THE MALAY-MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE, 1965-1987

Abstract

Between 1965-1987, there were three options for full-time education for the Malay Muslim community in Singapore: the secular English and Malay streams of education, along with the religious stream which consists of the Madrasahs. Till present day, there have been no works that currently look at the Malay-Muslim choice of education after Separation from Malaysia. A deeper look into the sources reveal that, previously, notions of traditional gender roles seem to consistently inform the choice of education amongst the Malay-Muslim community. These sentiments often led to the feminization of enrolment figures in the Malay stream and the Madrasahs in the years leading up to 1965. This thesis hopes to explore the choice of education amongst Malay-Muslims in Singapore’s recent history. While a significant number of individuals – of both genders – moved towards English education due to socio-economic necessity, there were a minority of people who continued choosing the “less-pragmatic” choice: the declining Malay stream and the Madrasahs. I explore how far previous traditional gender roles continue to inform enrolment in these two streams after 1965. To some extent, these understandings of gender roles persisted, evidenced by the continued female enrolment of both streams. However, I take into account the changing notions of gender roles especially situated against the nation-building context. These significant changes, along with factors like class, language, and religious aspirations, have largely informed varying perceptions of education. I hope to show how these factors further complicate the choice of education as well.