Social Studies · Primary 3 · Our Diverse People · Semester 1

Building Social Cohesion in a Diverse Society

Investigating the deliberate efforts and policies in Singapore to foster social cohesion and inter-ethnic understanding through shared spaces, common experiences, and national narratives.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Social Cohesion and Diversity - Sec 3
• MOE: National Identity and Citizenship - Sec 1

About This Topic

Common Experiences explores how shared spaces and activities bring people of different races and backgrounds together in Singapore. Students learn about the role of HDB estates, schools, community clubs, and public transport in creating opportunities for daily interaction. The lesson emphasizes that by living, learning, and playing together, we build understanding and friendship, which are the foundations of social harmony.

This topic is key to understanding the 'Singaporean way of life.' It helps students recognize that harmony is not just a concept, but something we practice every day. Students benefit from active learning where they can map out their own 'common spaces' and discuss the positive interactions they have there. This topic comes alive when students can share stories of their friendships and reflect on how shared experiences make us 'one united people.'

Key Questions

1. How do public housing (HDB) and educational policies contribute to racial and religious harmony in Singapore?
2. Analyze the role of shared experiences and common spaces in building a collective Singaporean identity.
3. Evaluate the challenges and successes in maintaining social cohesion amidst increasing diversity.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how specific government policies, such as HDB ethnic integration policies, promote racial and religious harmony.
• Analyze the role of shared spaces like schools and community centers in fostering a collective Singaporean identity.
• Compare the experiences of different ethnic groups in shared spaces and identify commonalities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of national narratives in building social cohesion among diverse populations.
• Identify challenges to social cohesion in Singapore and propose solutions.

Before You Start

Understanding Singapore's Multi-Racial Society

Why: Students need a basic understanding of the different racial and religious groups in Singapore before exploring how cohesion is built among them.

Community Helpers and Places

Why: Familiarity with community spaces like schools and community centers provides a foundation for understanding their role in fostering interaction.

Key Vocabulary

Social Cohesion	The sense of belonging and togetherness within a society, where people feel connected to each other and the nation.
Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)	A policy by the HDB that ensures a mix of ethnic groups in public housing estates to prevent segregation.
Shared Spaces	Places and facilities that are accessible to all members of society, encouraging interaction across different groups, such as parks, schools, and hawker centers.
National Narrative	The stories and shared memories that a nation tells about itself, helping to create a common identity and understanding among its people.
Inter-ethnic Understanding	The ability of people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds to understand and respect each other's cultures, beliefs, and experiences.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Harmony just happens on its own.

What to Teach Instead

Students might think people just 'get along.' By discussing the deliberate planning of HDB estates and schools, teachers can use 'Case Studies' to show that harmony is something we actively work on by creating spaces where people can meet and bond.

Common Misconception

We only meet people of other races on special days.

What to Teach Instead

Children might associate multiculturalism only with Racial Harmony Day. Active 'Daily Logs' of who they see and talk to in the canteen or at the playground help them realize that multiculturalism is a constant, everyday part of their lives.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk: Our Shared Spaces

Display photos of a playground, a hawker center, a school canteen, and an MRT station. Students move around to note one way people of different races interact in each space and share their observations on a 'Harmony Wall.'

30 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: My Best Friend

Students think about a friend who is of a different race or background. They discuss with a partner one thing they have learned from that friend (like a word or a food) and share how their friendship makes their life more interesting.

20 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The HDB Story

In groups, students look at a diagram of an HDB block. They identify the 'common areas' like the void deck and the corridor, and brainstorm three activities that can happen there to bring neighbors together, then present their 'Community Plan.'

40 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Urban planners and policymakers in Singapore regularly review and adjust housing policies, like the Ethnic Integration Policy, to ensure diverse neighborhoods and prevent ethnic enclaves.
• Community leaders and grassroots organizations actively organize events in shared spaces like community clubs and void decks to promote inter-ethnic understanding and celebrate cultural diversity through festivals and shared activities.
• The National Heritage Board develops exhibitions and public programs that highlight Singapore's multicultural history, contributing to a shared national narrative that unites people from various backgrounds.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are designing a new community park. What features would you include to encourage people from different backgrounds to meet and interact?' Facilitate a class discussion, prompting students to justify their choices based on the concept of shared spaces.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study about a fictional neighborhood with different ethnic groups. Ask them to identify one policy or initiative mentioned that helps build social cohesion and explain in one sentence how it works.

Exit Ticket

On a slip of paper, ask students to write down one example of a 'shared experience' they have had with someone from a different ethnic background and one way this experience helped them understand that person better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do HDB estates help bring people together?

HDB estates are designed with many common spaces like void decks, playgrounds, and fitness corners where neighbors can meet and interact. By living close to one another and sharing these spaces, people of different races and backgrounds have the chance to become friends and build a strong community.

How can active learning help students understand social cohesion?

Active learning strategies like 'Community Mapping' or 'Shared Storytelling' allow students to see the tangible results of living together. When students map out their own interactions in shared spaces or share personal stories of cross-cultural friendships, they realize that social cohesion is built through many small, everyday actions.

Why are schools important for racial harmony?

Schools are one of the most important places where children of all races and backgrounds learn and play together every day. By working on projects, playing sports, and eating together, students learn to respect and appreciate each other's differences from a young age.

What are some other 'common experiences' in Singapore?

Other common experiences include eating at hawker centers, traveling on the MRT and buses, celebrating national festivals together, and even doing National Service (for men). These shared activities help create a sense of belonging and a common Singaporean identity.