COMMUNTTY IDENTITY: PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

Community identity comes about through interaction between place and person, and the awareness of the distinctive character of the defined place. This dissertation examines community identity in the high-rise, high-density Housing and Development Board (HDB) housing estates. As HDB realises that uniformity and monotony of older housing estates are causing the erosion and preventing the formation of community identity, steps are taken to rectify the lack of community identity. Through major upgrading and renewal programmes, they are sprucing up the physical surroundings of the housing estates by adding on distinctive features which are characteristic of the towns. This is to rejuvenate and help increase the imageability of the new towns to increase community identity. Also, social interaction is being promoted by the People's Association and Grassroot Organisations which prime goals are social cohesion and bonding. These governmental efforts are to help increase the community's sense of bonding and belonging which will help instil a sense of community identity. A survey was carried out in Bishan-Toa Payoh and Potong-Pasir constituencies to look into their level of community identity. This is to deduce if HDB has been successful in this aspect. The level of community involvement and the residents' perception were also investigated. It was found that HDB is able to provide good housing conditions and living amenities. However, in areas of fostering community ties and community identity, they need to increase their efforts by channelling more resources to promote conducive conditions for the promotion of community identity.