METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Social Studies
Chapter 7 – How can we respond to diversity in society?
Overview
Society is ________________________________
social culturally diverse when people are of Society is ________________________________
socio economically diverse when people have
different races and ethnicities, religions and nationalities. different socio-economic backgrounds due to different levels of
education, income and wealth, which affects their access to financial
resources.
Responses of __________________
Citizens Responses of __________________
Citizens
● Individuals ● Individuals
● Community Groups ● Community Groups
Responses of __________________
Government Responses of __________________
Government
● Assimilationist policies in _____________________ ● _____________________________ approach in Sweden
o Tensions arising from assimilationist policies in o Challenges faced by Sweden
_____________________ ● ______________________________approach in Singapore
● Integration policies in ________________________
o Challenges faced by Singapore
o Tensions arising from integration policies in
_____________________
Socio-cultural diversity – Responses of Individuals
Case-study: On Sep. 21, 2019, Sheena Phua, who was at the F1 Grand Prix, uploaded an
Instastory to her Instagram, which has over 70,000 followers.
The photo (left) showed two Sikh men in white turbans in front of her, and the caption stated
“Dang! 2 huge obstructions decided to appear out of nowhere".
Many saw the remarks as a slight against the two men, and their religious beliefs.
As a result, the post quickly went viral.
“Were the responses to the social media post by a local social media influencer justified?” TB p.184 - 186
Responses Intention Implication Justified
Blue Malicious because: Put yourself in the shoes of the Choose one –
3-5 ● Vulgarities were hurled at the influencer, how would you feel and how Justified / not justified because:
influencer. would you react/behave if people were ●
○ These serve no greater writing such comments (3-5) about you
purpose other than to online?
hurt the receiving party,
to prove to them that
people are now angry
with them and they
have done something
gravely wrong.
2
Pink Not malicious because: Put yourself in the shoes of the Choose one –
6-8 ● Does not assume the worst of influencer, how would you feel and how Justified / not justified because:
the influencer (that she was a would you react/behave if people were ●
racist) and instead, tries to give writing such comments (6-8) about you
her the benefit of the doubt online?
(that she was commenting on
their height, and not religion)
○ This is a greater attempt
to understand where
the influencer might
have been coming from
and is an attempt to be
empathetic – even to
those around us who
might have done
something potentially
hurtful/harmful to
others.
Yellow Choose one – Put yourself in the shoes of the Choose one –
12-14 Malicious / not malicious because: influencer, how would you feel and how Justified / not justified because:
● would you react/behave if people were ●
writing such comments (12-14) about
you online?
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15-20 Intent:
Implication:
What can you learn from the response of
Gurdwara a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs. the President of the Young Sikh
Sewa acts of selfless service in dedication to others - performed without any
Association as well as the response of
expectation of reward for performing it. Such services can be performed to
the influencer?
benefit other human beings or society.
Langgar the community kitchen of a gurdwara, which serves meals to all free of
charge, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity.
People sit on the floor and eat together, and the kitchen is maintained and
serviced by Sikh community volunteers who are doing sewa.
What is an appropriate response?
1. Respond ______________________ to help others understand the impact of their actions
2. Raise ______________________and address __________________
4
Socio-cultural diversity – Responses of Community Groups
e.g.
Impact:Community Group that took action to address the challenges experienced by migraine workers and forge better relationships
between Singaporeans and migrant workers.
Socio-cultural diversity – Responses of Government
Assimilation in France
Analogy for Assimilation
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Assimilationist policies Context and background of France France – Assimilation policies
Immigrants are expected to adopt the beliefs France is one of the European countries Principle of Laïcité --> ___________________
and practices of the ____________________
assimilation classes that is _________________________. Belief of setting a ______________________
in the host country. __________________________ and not
Immigrants came mainly from favouring one religion over another.
Over time, the identities of the assimilated ____________ - Algeria, Morocco and
group are expected to _________________ Tunisia (former French colonies) and Ideal of harmony is achieved when every
to those to the majority group. ____________________ - Portugal, Italy _______________________________________
and Spain to race, ethnicity and religion.
e.g. ______________________________
Believes that the French national identity should
be _______________ over other identities.
Education Employment Naturalisation
How does
the policy
look like?
- Adaptation Class
- French Classroom: No discussion of
religion except Hist/Lit/Philo and Art
classes
- 2015: Moral and Civic education to
promote National values.
How does it
help to
promote
assimilation
? - Opportunity to interact and build
friendships with other French children
- Encourage individuals to put aside
his/her connections to religion and
prioritise the French National identity
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Socio-cultural diversity – Responses of Government
Integration in Singapore
Analogy for Integration
Integration policies Context and background of Singapore Singapore – Integration policies
In countries that adopt integration policies, What is the Singapore identity anchored Bilingualism policy
minority groups and immigrants _________ in?
their unique identities while forging ● Shared _______________ of
_____________________________ with the a.
__________________________ in the host
country. b.
c.
e.g. ______________________________
How are differences treated & regarded
in Singapore?
● Differences in practices, customs
and traditions are ___________
and ______________ Has it been effective in promoting the integration
● Equality is promoted of various ethnic groups in Singapore? Why or
why not?
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Community support Naturalisation initiatives Common experiences
How does
the policy
look like?
How does it
help to
promote
integration?
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What are the TENSIONS arising from…
Assimilationist policies in France Integration policies in Singapore
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Reflections
How can you respond to some of the issues related to social-cultural or socio-economic diversity?
Identify a specific issue to which you would You can reflect on what you do as an You may even come up with proposals to
like to respond individual in society or as a community group share with the Singapore government to
address this issue
Key Takeaway
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