IN-WORK POVERTY AMONG LOW-WAGE MALAY WORKERS IN SINGAPORE: CONSTRAINTS AND COPING MECHANISMS

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to understand in-work poverty among low-wage Malay workers in Singapore. The broad definition of in-work poverty refers to persons who are working, yet are still at risk of poverty, due to the nature of their work. This study aims to answer the following questions: a) What are the challenges faced by low-wage workers? b) How do state employment policies affect employment conditions of low-wage workers? c) How do the low-wage workers cope with these challenges? d) What are some factors that shape help-seeking attitudes and impede access to government services? This study seeks to examine the everyday problems and needs of low wage working adults and their help-seeking behaviour. It also aims to examine the extent of adequacy and access to available services provided for these working adults by state and community agencies. This work provides a contextualised understanding of in-work poverty among working adults in Singapore and aims to contribute to the growing literature on poverty in Singapore, with a specific focus on low-wage Malay workers.