Synopses & Reviews
This book shows that there is a complex relationship between economic strategy, social control and political conflict in Singapore.
Synopsis
The thesis presented here will not only change the way in which we understand contemporary Singaporean society and the relationship between the state and its citizens, but will also provoke a debate about the social costs of economic development in other parts of the world, and the future security of the island republic - increasingly a Chinese enclave in a Malay sea - in the twenty-first century.' - Peter Carey, Trinity College, Oxford This study examines the development of Singapore's complex system of social regulation in relation to the phases of its economic strategy and political transition. It focuses on the way social control works through public housing and welfare, education, parliamentary politics and the law. It draws out the implications of such comprehensive control for political conflict. Popular explanations for Singapore's success and its status as a model for other developing countries are brought into question.
Synopsis
Singapore's rapid economic growth has attracted much admiration. But can this success be sufficiently explained by canny exploitation of a niche in the global free market? This book shows that there is a complex relationship between economic strategy, social control and political conflict in Singapore. It does this by looking at the regulatory functions of major state institutions.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-247) and index.