Uniquely to Singapore: Chinese Culture Values and Cultural Portability.

The Chinese in Singapore cover a diversity of communities and individuals but the cultural values that are of major importance are “hard work, acceptance of what life brings, respect for and harmonious coexistence with nature, family before individual welfare, education, self-control, self-actualisation, interdependence, respect for elders, collectivism and loyalty to the family (Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health, 2003).”

According to Singapore Minister, Mr Yeo, G. (2001), Chinese culture has two seemingly contradictory aspects; one is the expectation of strong central rule which arose out of the experience of the Chinese people over the centuries, the other is one of “cultural portability”. In the former, one would also be able to observe a record of strong prosperous dynasties with prolonged periods of anarchy. Mr Yeo (2001), also pointed out that there is a strong impulse within the Chinese towards central rule as evidence by history that over the past two thousands years, the Chinese Empire had collapsed then regrouped, collapsed again then regrouped again. That social DNA had deeply embedded in the Chinese mind.

In the aspect of “cultural portability”, the Chinese are able to maintain their values and transmit their traditions to subsequent generations, without state support. This is in line with the Confucianist ideal of a centralized realm where everything finds its proper place (Yeo, 2001). Chinese people are seen to be bounded up with these two impulses – family-centered cultural portability and central rule. Hence, Chinese people tend to be partial towards family members and relatives and to treat those who are further away rather selfishly (Yeo, 2001).

Values, Social Structure and Religion

The social structure among Chinese throughout history is the centrality of the family (Kim et al, 2001). Many Chinese in Singapore list their family name first, and their given name last. Nuclear families are common and family structure is traditionally hierarchal and patriarchal. Families tend to be very private, and few are willing to discuss family issues or conflict with non-family members.

According to Tong & Spicer (1994), the family is often the first and sometimes only source of health care. Health decisions may be made by the family based on what is best for the family instead of what is best for the patient. The oldest adult male is the decision-maker in health and other matters. However, when come to family matters, there is obvious influence from elders, including women. It is also common to see that older children have precedence over younger children and male children over female (Chang, 1999).

Chinese religion blends religious beliefs and practices with philosophical systems. It is difficult to understand or one without the other (Kagawa-Singer & Blackhall, 2001). According the 2000 census, 42.5% of Singapore’s population was Buddhist, 8.5% Taoist, 14.6% Christian and 14.8% non-religious. The Chinese form the vast majority in these four groups, due in part to their dominance in Singapore. Most of the Chinese have retained the belief of Buddhism or Taoism However; younger generations have either switched to modern, more orthodox versions of Buddhism, Christianity or have become non-religious.

Reference:

Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health (2003), Community Health Profile – Chinese. Queensland Health. Retrieved on 18th January 2007, from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/cultdiv/chinese.asp

Chang, K. (1999). Chinese Americans. In J.N. Giger & R.E. Davidhizer (Eds.), Transcultural nursing: Assessment & intervention (pp. 385-401). St. Louis: Mosby.
Kagawa-Singer, M. & & Blackhall, L.J. (2001). Negotiating cross-cultural issues at the end of life. JAMA, 286(23), 2993-3002.

Kim, B.S., Yang, P.H., Atkinson, D.R., Wolfe, M.M., & Hong, S. (2001). Cultural value similarities and differences among Asian American ethnic groups. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 7(4), 343-361.

Tong, K.L. & Spicer, B.J. (1994). The Chinese palliative patient and family in North America: A cultural perspective. Journal of Palliative Care, 10(1), 26-28.

Yeo, G. (2001, May 17). Interview with BG (NS) George Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry by Dr Albert Bressand and Catherine Distler of Promethee in Paris. Retrieved January 05, 2007, from https://app.mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id=148&articleID=333&intViewCat=1&intCategory=3&txtKeyword=&txtStart=&txtEnd=&
intOrderBy=1&intYear=&intQuarter=0


Author: Maurice Wong