Social Studies SRQ Essays 28.8.20

1 Social Studies SRQ

2 Contents Chapter: Page: Issue 1: Working for the Good of Society 4 2.3 Ideas Shaping Governance 4 2.3.1 Having Good Leadership 4 2.3.2 Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant 4 2.3.3 Providing a Stake for Everyone 5 2.3.4 Practicing Meritocracy 5 3.1 Roles of Government 6 3.1.1 Maintaining Internal Order and External Security 6 3.1.2 Ensuring Justice 6 3.1.3 Providing Goods and Services 7 3.1.4 Safeguarding the Interests of Citizens 7 3.2 Roles of Citizens 8 3.2.1 Formal Groups (NGOs) 8 3.2.2 Informal Groups 8 3.2.3 Individuals 9 Issue 2: Living in a Diverse Society 10 4 Identity 10 4.1.1 Nationality 10 4.1.2 Race and Ethnicity 10 4.1.3 Religion 11 4.1.4 Socio-Economic Status 11 5 Factors Causing Greater Diversity 12 5.1.1 Immigration Policy 12 5.1.2 Economic Opportunities 12 5.1.3 Socio-Cultural Environment 13

3 Issue 2: Globalisation 14 8.2 Driving Forces of Globalisation 14 8.2.1 Developments in Transportation 14 8.2.2 Growth of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) 14 8.2.3 Advances in Technology 15 9 Economic Impacts of Globalisation 16 9.2.1 Advantages Of Globalisation on the Economies of Countries 16 9.2.2 Disadvantages 16 9.3.1 Advantages Of Globalisation on MNCs and SMEs 17 9.3.2 Disadvantages 18 9.4.1 Advantages Of Globalisation on Individuals 19 9.4.2 Disadvantages 19

4 Issue 1: Working for the Good of Society Chapter 2.3: Ideas Shaping Governance (2.3.1) Having Good Leadership Having good leadership is important in working for the good of society. Having good leadership means that leaders must be honest and capable. Given the complex nature of decision-making, leaders must have the moral courage to do what is right and not what is popular with people as it is needed to maintain stability in government and to make the right decisions for the country. Leaders must be of good moral character and are incorruptible so as to win the respect and confidence of the people. For instance, the arts scene in Singapore made progress under the capable leadership of Mr. Liu Thai Ker who saw the need for a more vibrant arts scene. Under Mr. Liu’s capable leadership, local talents had more opportunities to participate locally and internationally in arts-related activities. Singapore became internationally recognised and vibrant making it an attractive place for tourism, enabling social growth for Singapore. Having good leadership ensures a strong leadership to steer the country in the right direction of economic prosperity and growth, as good leaders will make good decisions for the benefit of the country and people, and not based on their own self-interest. They are thus likely to take the country to greater heights by making sound decisions that are more likely to address the needs of the people and for the nation’s best interests. As these needs are addressed, the citizens will be more assured and have more confidence in their leaders. The making of wise choices and increased sense of confidence towards the country ensure the stability of the government and country so people can work together as one and prosper as a nation. With political and social stability, it will be attractive to investors, resulting in more investment in the country and hence promoting economic growth which meets the needs of the people such as employment. Therefore, having good leadership is important in working for the good of society. (2.3.2) Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant Anticipating change and staying relevant is important in working for the good of society. When citizens needs and interests are adversely affected in the short term due to a decision based on more long-term considerations, tensions may arise. The government needs to manage these tensions and remain forward-looking. They need to make decisions that will benefit the people of Singapore in the future. For example, the building of IRs in Singapore created a lot of tension because the economic benefits and social costs were difficult to resolve. The government tried to anticipate change and stay relevant, especially in seeking potential economic benefits like jobs and higher tourist spending. They also responded in advance to mitigate potential social problems like problem gambling by setting up the National Council of Problem Gambling to educate and reach out to the public.

5 With anticipating change and staying relevant, the government prepares in advance for future challenges as well as to leverage on potential opportunities, they can come up with good policies that aim to maximise potential opportunities and minimise challenges before it is too late. Singapore would be able to stay competitive and built the nation's economy to meet the future needs and challenges of the people. Therefore, anticipating change and staying relevant is important in working for the good of society. (2.3.3) Providing a Stake for Everyone Providing a stake for everyone is important in working for the good of society. Providing a stake for everyone means that everyone gets a say in decision making and the creation of opportunities. This allows people to feel a sense of belonging to the country as they have the right to decide the country’s plans. For example, the Public Housing Scheme and the Central Provident Fund strengthen the sense of belonging of citizens through home ownership, enabling all Singaporeans to own a home regardless of financial status. Providing a stake for everyone ensures a platform for people to voice out their views and be involved in the country’s progress. This allows their views to be heard and others would value their opinion in certain decisions, allowing for discussions as people take ownership over the country’s future. This makes people more willing to contribute to progress of the country and work with the government to decide on ways to develop the country. Therefore, providing a stake for everyone is important in working for the good of society. (2.3.4) Practicing Meritocracy Meritocracy is important in working for the good of society. Meritocracy is a system that distributes opportunities to enable future successes. People are rewarded according to the effort they put in rather than race, religion or socio-economic background. When people are rewarded based on their abilities and effort, they are encouraged to work hard. For example, students who perform well in their studies and CCA are rewarded in ways to help them excel further in their education. The Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary schemes reward the top 10% and 25% of school students respectively. By practicing meritocracy, citizens know that hard work will be rewarded duly, encouraged to do well and be motivated to work hard. Talents are recognized and duly rewarded. People will be more motivated to contribute to the society and Singapore can achieve economic and social progress. Therefore, practicing meritocracy is important in working for the good of society.

6 Chapter 3.1: Roles of Government (3.1.1) Maintaining Internal Order and External Security Maintaining internal order and external security is an important role of government in working for the good of society. In maintaining internal order, agencies such as the police and civil defence forces protect citizens, property and what society believes should be protected. For example, the core function of the Internal Security Department (ISD) is to keep Singapore safe and sovereign for all Singaporeans. To do so, ISD collects accurate intelligence, makes impartial assessments and takes timely action to counter security threats to Singapore’s internal stability and sovereignty. As for external security, agencies such as The Army, The Navy and The Airforce strengthen Singapore’s defence and potential enemies are deter