Singapore Perspectives 2022: Is the concept of belonging an oppressive one?

The third panel of Singapore Perspectives 2022: City, titled "City: Who Belongs?" was moderated by Dr Gillian Koh, IPS Deputy Director & Senior Research Fellow. The panel composed of Dr Ho Kong Chong, Head of Urban Studies at Yale-NUS College and Associate Professor of Sociology at National University of Singapore, as well as Ms Cindy Khoo, Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Strategy Group.

Following up on Dr Ho's sharing of the concept of belonging as an oppressive expectation, Dr Koh invited Ms Khoo and Dr Ho to have a two-minute debate on this topic. Expounding on the idea of diversity as a shared value, Ms Khoo took on an expansive view of belonging, and cited neighbourly disputes, such as conflict over cultural practices, as an example of how one can negotiate and build mutual understanding. In response, Dr Ho emphasised the importance of recognising the tension between having a sense of belonging and freedom in exploring the Singaporean identity.

Watch the full series here
   • Singapore Perspectives 2022 "City"  

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