Beyond parental sovereignty: rethinking public policy on children's rights in Singapore

• Main Author: Ng, Ace Kian Yong
• Other Authors: Lim Chong Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Humanities::Philosophy
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/165440
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The conventional view of a family is one that is loving and nurturing, but this façade conceals the inherent power imbalance in parent-child relationships. Although at first glance this power imbalance seems harmless and arguably necessary for parenting, this power imbalance eventually manifests as an issue of power domination, with parents having an unchecked power over their children. In this thesis, I will explore the implications of this power domination, particular with regards to injustices and vulnerabilities that are inflicted onto children. The primary concerns involve the infringement of children rights, including their lack of involvement in decisions that concern them and their right to adequate care. Through an analysis of Singapore’s child welfare policies, I established that power domination not only exists but controls the basis of child welfare policies. Furthermore, my thesis will attempt to propose a framework for a child-centric theory of justice that could potentially address these injustices.