The institutionalization of mandatory volunteerism : the tension between building the ‘heartware’ and the rational pursuit of qualifications.

• Main Author: Lee, Constance Kang Hui.
• Other Authors: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Social institutions
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/51670
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research study argues that the institutionalization of mandatory volunteerism gives rise to the tension between building the ‘heartware’ and the rational pursuit of ‘qualifications’ among Singaporean youths using a critical perspective. This paper seeks to extend past research on mandatory volunteerism and subsequently, explore the sustainability of the mandatory volunteerism system in Singapore in building the spirit of volunteerism. Through a series of in-depth interviews with local undergraduates across the 3 main Universities, the contradictions and the implications of the mandatory volunteerism system were investigated. This study illustrates the dynamic interaction between the state, the education system and the students in the capitalistic society of Singapore shapes volunteerism in Singapore. Major findings suggest that the mandatory volunteerism system decreases intrinsic motivation to volunteer, rather provides a platform for manifestation of kiasuism among local undergraduates; and significantly, the positive correlation between volunteerism and achievements.