Abstract

In this study I investigate how college-age students in Singapore perceive feminism. From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem like Singaporeans have a satisfactory level of gender equality in terms of basic human rights and opportunities. This is reflected in the United Nations Human Development Report’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) where Singapore was ranked 13th out of the 148 ranked countries (Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore 2013). Despite the level of equality the young nation has accomplished so far, sexism is still inherent in Singapore’s patriarchal society. My research not only examines the feminist environment in Singapore but also aims to bring about awareness of gender inequalities to a society where hegemonic masculinities are deeply embedded.

In taking a glance into the feminism environment of college-age students in Singapore, one can make predictions for the future of gender equality in Singapore as these students represent Singapore’s future. While it is important to educate and bring awareness to feminism and the women’s movement in Singapore, it is also vital to allow and understand the students’ own way of negotiating a feminism that is unique to Singapore. In other words, my study does not aim to impose Western ideals of feminism into Singapore, but rather allocate agency to Singaporeans for them to come up with their own distinct form of feminism that would improve the gender equality climate there.

Advisor

Fitz Gibbon, Heather

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Keywords

feminism, Singapore, solidarity, westernization, Asia, culture, pedagogy

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2014 Mariel W. Ho