SENSE OF BELONGING IN SINGAPORE RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE: THE ROLE OF NON-CITIZENS

Abstract

Over the years, there has been increasing concern over the influx of non-Singaporeans into the residential landscape in Singapore, which could potentially endanger the sense of belonging among native Singaporeans. This research seeks to explore the role of the influx of non-Singaporeans to the sense of belonging of Singaporean citizens, using the case studies of Tanglin (treatment planning area with the larger influx of non-Singaporeans) and Bishan (control planning area with the smaller influx of non-Singaporeans). To do so, the comprehensive survey of 300 Singaporean citizens was conducted in Tanglin and Bishan and a score of a sense of belonging was calculated for each respondent. A series of empirical analyses including t-Tests, ANOVA and multiple regressions report that Singaporeans residing in Tanglin experience a weaker sense of belonging, compared to those residing in Bishan, controlling for their demographic characteristics and housing types. Results also suggest that the sense of belonging of Singaporeans is negatively associated not only with the actual proportion of non Singaporeans, but also with their perceived level of the influx of non-Singaporeans. A potential policy implication of these results is that it would be useful for the government to launch initiatives to investigate planning areas with a higher proportion of non Singaporeans and with a rapid increase in this proportion, and to closely monitor the sense of belonging of Singaporean citizens in these areas. Consequently, appropriate policy measures could be formulated in areas with the lower level of sense of belonging among Singaporean citizens, so that the globalizing Singapore would continue to remain as an endearing home for all native Singaporeans.