STUDY OF RACIAL SEGMENTATION IN SPECIFIC NEIGHBOURHOODS AND THE POTENTIAL SHORTCOMING OF THE EIP

Abstract

This dissertation examines the impact of Singapore's Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) on racial segmentation and housing resale values within Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates. A combination of quantitative analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, and a public survey were employed to investigate the relationship between the ethnic composition of HDB blocks and the resale prices of flats. The study sampled 200 households across five HDB blocks and surveyed 50 individuals at the HDB Hub to ascertain public perception of the EIP. The findings indicate that the percentage of Chinese residents in HDB blocks does not significantly influence the resale prices of flats, suggesting that the EIP is effectively neutral in economic terms. The survey revealed a high awareness of the EIP, although its impact on housing choices varied among respondents. Methodological limitations were acknowledged, particularly the sampling scope and the potential bias of self-reported data. This study confirms the EIP's success in fostering racial integration without affecting the economic valuation of public housing. It underscores the importance of other factors, such as flat size and lease date, in determining resale prices. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for future research to expand upon the findings through broader sampling and more sophisticated statistical models. The ultimate aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between housing policies, ethnic diversity, and the housing market, contributing to policy discourse and urban planning in multicultural societies.