Social Values In Singapore And Their Role For Economy

In “Singapore as Model” Huat explains that social values have played a significant role in Singapore's evolution and changes in its position in the global economy. One example of this involves the social (and political) values of anti-communism, which was a defining force during the 1960s when Singapore emerged as an independent city-state. This collection of social values gave high priority to economic freedom; it was regarded as vitally important to resist Communist influence and ensure that markets remained free. The marked-oriented outlook of these values was so intense that freedom in other aspects of a society, especially in its political organization, was regarded as a distant second in importance. In practice, authoritarian government, even if not ideal in principle, was readily tolerated as long as it had the capacity to stand as a bulwark against Communism. These values, both within Singapore and within the Western international community, made it possible for Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) to establish what was effectively single party authoritarian state. The lack of political competition or direct accountability to popular opinion gave the PAP tremendous leeway when it came to setting the economic direction of Singapore's society. This made it possible for the city-state to rapidly industrialize and, in just one generation, transform itself into a first-world economy.

Huat's article also explains that Singapore's economic success was made possible in part by the social value of survival. After gaining independence, it was not wholly clear that Singapore was viable as an independent city-state. This is what led to the initial efforts to unite with Malaysia, and the sense of a crisis when those efforts failed. Leaders of PAP pivoted quickly and managed to achieve widespread acceptance for the value of survival at all costs. The rhetoric surrounding survival as a value had enormous implications: "an armed force of citizen-conscripts [would be necessary], racial harmony must prevail, and political differences and dissensions must be kept to the minimum and under control. But above all, economic growth must be promoted at all costs".

The political aspect of Singapore's needs, from the perspective of survival as a predominant social value, aligned readily with the prevalent anti-communist value in Singapore and the Western international community. As long as the suppression and control of dissent was tied to the promotion of a free market economic system, most aspects of authoritarian government were regarded as permissible. The value of survival is not typically a tough sell, and the population of Singapore readily embraced the outlook advocated by the PAP. The drive for rapid economic growth as a necessary component of survival played a central role in Singapore's changing economic position. The value of survival and its component parts, as advocated by the PAP, also reveal another social value that was essential to Singapore's rise: the spirit of collectivism. This value stands in an uneasy relationship to the anti-communist values, of course, but it is nonetheless clear that a current of collectivism played an important part in mobilizing Singapore's population to endorse and join in the effort for survival. The adoption of a conscript military supports this interpretation, as does the assent to a one-party, authoritarian-leaning government. The period of rapid industrialization in a newly independent Singapore brought the people together with a sense that they were moving, together, toward a better future. The value of collectivism has resulted in a strong sense of national pride and belonging. Huat explains that many Singaporeans do not want to leave the country to work in the broader regional market. In part this may have to do with the relatively greater standards of living and professional opportunities in Singapore, in contrast to its generally less developed neighbors, but there is also an element of national pride and belonging at work. Huat notes: "In instances when they do seek employment abroad, they will actively market the fact that they are Singaporeans, carrying the label 'Singapore' as a brand name that signifies success, with nationally inflected personal qualities of being hardworking, efficient, and effective".

The collectivist value that this attitude reflects no doubt played a role in Singapore's economic transformation. Another value, and one that is part of the Singaporean identity that Huat describes, is that of success. This value is understood as both the collective, national level and as a value guiding individual life choices: "Singaporeans also frame their subject positions in terms of Singapore’s success, apropos their social class positions". Individuals in Singapore want to embody success in their own lives, just as the nation has embodied success in its single generation transformation. The value of success, further, is typically understood in financial terms that reflect the country's broader economy and role in the world market. Singaporeans tend to aspire to high-status (and well-paid) professional careers, and they hope to achieve success within those careers in the form of recognition, promotions, and rising status. The value of success is accompanied by a fear of failure. The fear of failure, Huat argues, explains why Singaporeans tend to be fiercely competitive, always striving to improve performance and stay ahead of the curve as business firms and the global market changes. This value is also reflected in government actions; the PAP strives to actively respond to changing global conditions, selecting the right areas for the right kind of development to sustain Singapore's standard of living and keep its economy growing. Huat even suggests that the population is willing to endorse PAP's authoritarian government only to the extent that it keeps the economy strong; if it fails in this central task, the party will lose the perceived legitimacy that allows it to continue ruling with virtually no opposition.

In these ways, the social value of success has had a profound impact on the course of Singapore's development, serving as the very foundation of its rise within the global economy.