Singapore in the Global World · Semester 2

Shared Values and Cultural Identity

The 1991 White Paper on Shared Values and the ongoing debate over 'Asian Values' in shaping Singapore's cultural identity.

About This Topic

The 'Shared Values' and the debate over 'Asian Values' in the early 1990s were part of an effort to define a unique Singaporean identity. This topic explores the 1991 White Paper on Shared Values, which codified five core principles intended to anchor Singaporeans in their own heritage while they navigated the influence of Western culture.

For Secondary 3 students, this is a lesson in cultural identity and national values. It covers the five values, such as 'Nation before community' and 'Consensus, not conflict', and the debate over whether these values are uniquely 'Asian' or universal principles for a successful society.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of the 'Shared Values' and how they apply to modern-day Singaporean life.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the rationale behind the five core Shared Values articulated in the 1991 White Paper.
• Analyze the government's motivations for codifying these values to foster national cohesion.
• Evaluate the interplay between the Shared Values and the influence of Western cultural elements on Singapore's identity.
• Compare and contrast the concept of 'Asian Values' with universal ethical principles in the context of national development.

Before You Start

Singapore's Early History and Nation Building

Why: Understanding the historical context of Singapore's formation and early challenges is crucial for appreciating the need for national cohesion.

Introduction to Cultural Diversity

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of different cultures and the concept of cultural identity to analyze the interaction of values.

Key Vocabulary

Shared Values	A set of five core principles promoted by the Singapore government in 1991 to foster national identity and social cohesion.
Asian Values	A concept debated in the 1990s, suggesting that certain cultural values prevalent in East Asian societies promote economic development and social order.
National Cohesion	The sense of unity and solidarity among members of a society, often strengthened by shared values and common goals.
Cultural Identity	The sense of belonging to a group based on shared customs, traditions, language, and values, which distinguishes one group from another.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Five Shared Values

Groups are assigned one of the five values. They must research what it means and find a real-life example of how this value is practiced in Singapore today (e.g., in a government policy or a community project).

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Formal Debate: Are these 'Asian' Values?

Divide the class into two groups. One group argues that the Shared Values are rooted in Asian traditions. The other group argues that they are universal values that any modern, successful nation would embrace.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: Values in a Global World

Students reflect on how global culture (movies, social media) affects their own values. They share with a partner whether they think it is important for a country to have its own 'codified' set of values.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

The National Heritage Board in Singapore organizes exhibitions and public programs that often highlight aspects of Singapore's shared values and cultural heritage, connecting them to contemporary life.

Discussions in Singaporean media, such as opinion pieces in The Straits Times or debates on current affairs programs, frequently touch upon how the Shared Values apply to issues like social responsibility, family ties, and national service.

Community leaders and grassroots organizations in Singapore often use the framework of Shared Values to guide their initiatives, from promoting intergenerational bonding to encouraging volunteerism.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Shared Values are laws that everyone must follow.

What to Teach Instead

They are a set of guiding principles intended to foster a common identity and social cohesion. A 'values vs. laws' comparison helps students see that they are meant to be a 'moral compass' rather than a legal requirement.

Common Misconception

The debate over 'Asian Values' was only about rejecting the West.

What to Teach Instead

It was more about finding a balance between modernization and the preservation of traditional social bonds. Using primary source speeches helps students see that the goal was to create a 'modern Asian' identity, not to isolate Singapore from the world.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Which of the five Shared Values do you find most challenging to uphold in your daily life, and why?' Facilitate a class discussion where students share their reasoning and listen to differing perspectives.

Quick Check

Present students with short scenarios depicting common social situations. Ask them to identify which Shared Value is most relevant to the scenario and briefly explain their choice in writing.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down one way the 'Asian Values' debate influenced the specific wording or emphasis of the 1991 White Paper on Shared Values, and one question they still have about the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five Shared Values of Singapore?

The five values are: 1. Nation before community and society above self. 2. Family as the basic unit of society. 3. Community support and respect for the individual. 4. Consensus, not conflict. 5. Racial and religious harmony.

Why did the government feel the need to codify these values in 1991?

The government was concerned that rapid modernization and Western influence were leading to a loss of traditional values and a rise in individualism. They wanted to create a common set of principles that all Singaporeans could identify with, regardless of their race or religion.

How does active learning help students understand national values?

By investigating and debating the Shared Values, students move beyond just 'learning the list.' This active approach helps them see how these values are reflected in our society and encourages them to think critically about their own identity and the kind of society they want to live in.

How do these values interact with the influence of Western culture?

The Shared Values are intended to act as a 'cultural anchor,' allowing Singaporeans to embrace the benefits of Western technology and economic systems while maintaining their own social and moral traditions, such as the importance of family and social harmony.