History · Secondary 3 · Singapore in the Global World · Semester 2

Globalisation and its Discontents in Singapore

Examining the benefits and tensions arising from Singapore's status as a global hub, including issues of inequality and identity.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Singapore in the Global World - S3

About This Topic

Globalisation is both a source of Singapore's prosperity and a cause of significant social and economic tension. This topic examines the benefits of being a 'global hub', such as attracting talent and investment, and the challenges it brings, including income inequality, the 'cost of living' debate, and the social impact of a large foreign workforce.

For Secondary 3 students, this is a lesson in the complexity of the modern world. It covers how Singapore balances being open to the world with the need to protect local interests and maintain social cohesion, a delicate act that is at the heart of many current policy debates.

This topic comes alive when students can engage in structured debates and analyze data to evaluate the 'pros and cons' of globalisation for different groups in Singapore.

Key Questions

1. Analyze how globalisation has impacted income inequality and social stratification in Singapore.
2. Evaluate the social and cultural impacts of Singapore's identity as a 'global city'.
3. Explain how Singapore balances being open to the world with protecting local interests and identity.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze data to explain how globalization has affected income distribution and social class in Singapore.
• Evaluate the social and cultural consequences of Singapore's identity as a global city.
• Explain the strategies Singapore employs to balance global openness with the preservation of local interests and identity.
• Compare the economic benefits and social tensions arising from Singapore's role as a global hub.

Before You Start

Singapore's Economic Development

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Singapore's economic history and its strategic shift towards becoming an international trade and financial center.

Introduction to Social Studies Concepts

Why: Prior knowledge of basic sociological terms like 'social class' and 'identity' will help students grasp the complexities of social stratification and cultural impacts.

Key Vocabulary

Global Hub	A city or country that serves as a major center for international business, finance, and travel, attracting significant foreign investment and talent.
Income Inequality	The uneven distribution of household or individual income across the various participants in an economy. This can be measured by metrics like the Gini coefficient.
Social Stratification	A society's categorization of its people into rankings based on factors like wealth, income, education, family background, and power. Globalization can exacerbate or alter these structures.
Cultural Homogenization	The process by which local cultures become similar to one another due to the influence of globalized media, products, and ideas, potentially diminishing unique cultural practices.
Social Cohesion	The degree to which members of a society feel connected to and trust each other, and are willing to work together for the common good. Globalization can challenge this.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Globalisation is something that only happens to big countries.

What to Teach Instead

Singapore is one of the most globalised countries in the world, and its entire economy depends on global trade. A 'global links' activity helps students see how many of the things they use every day come from other parts of the world.

Common Misconception

The 'foreign talent' policy is only about bringing in high-paid executives.

What to Teach Instead

It also includes workers in many other sectors, from construction to healthcare. Using a 'diversity of the workforce' chart helps students understand the different roles that foreign workers play in Singapore's economy.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: Open vs. Protected

Divide the class into two groups. One group argues for keeping Singapore's borders and economy as open as possible to remain competitive. The other group argues for more protections for local workers and a slower pace of globalisation.

50 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: The Global City Impact

Groups research how being a 'global city' affects a specific area of life (e.g., the arts, food, housing, or the job market). They must identify one positive and one negative impact and present their findings.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Globalisation and Inequality

Students reflect on why globalisation can lead to a wider gap between the rich and the poor. They share with a partner one way the government can help those who are 'left behind' by global trends.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Economists at the Monetary Authority of Singapore analyze trade data and foreign direct investment figures to assess the impact of global economic trends on Singapore's GDP and employment rates.
• Urban planners in Singapore consider the 'cost of living' data, influenced by global demand for housing and goods, when developing policies for affordable public housing and public transport accessibility.
• Cultural commentators discuss how international food chains and global entertainment platforms affect the popularity of traditional hawker fare and local arts performances in Singapore.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Is Singapore's identity as a global hub primarily a source of strength or a cause of division?' Ask students to take a stance and support it with at least two specific examples discussed in class, referencing both economic benefits and social tensions.

Exit Ticket

Students write down one specific policy Singapore has implemented to balance global openness with local interests (e.g., foreign worker quotas, local enterprise support). They then briefly explain why this policy is necessary.

Quick Check

Present students with two contrasting statements about globalization's impact on Singapore (e.g., 'Globalization has created more opportunities for all Singaporeans' vs. 'Globalization has widened the gap between the rich and the poor'). Ask students to indicate which statement they agree with more and provide one piece of evidence from the lesson to justify their choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has globalisation affected income inequality in Singapore?

Globalisation has created many high-paying jobs in sectors like finance and tech, but it has also put pressure on the wages of lower-skilled workers who face global competition. This has led to a widening income gap that the government addresses through social transfers and skills upgrading.

What are the social impacts of being a 'global city'?

Being a global city brings a vibrant and diverse culture, but it can also lead to a sense of 'crowding' and a fear that local identity is being diluted. It requires ongoing efforts to ensure that both locals and foreigners can live and work together harmoniously.

How can active learning help students understand globalisation?

By debating the 'open vs. protected' dilemma and investigating the impact of the 'global city,' students move beyond a simple 'good or bad' view of globalisation. This active approach helps them understand the trade-offs involved in being a global hub and the need for balanced and inclusive policies.

How does Singapore balance being open with protecting local interests?

Singapore uses a 'complementary' approach, where foreign workers are brought in to fill gaps in the labor market while the government invests heavily in training locals for higher-value jobs. They also use policies like the 'Fair Consideration Framework' to ensure that locals are given a fair chance at job opportunities.