Cultural differences in purpose in life and its influence on Singapore

• Main Authors: Rasbinder Kaur Sroya, Tan, Qi Fang, Tan, Xin Ru
• Other Authors: Setoh Pei Pei
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Psychology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/62641
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This article discusses the cultural differences in the perception of Purpose in Life (PIL) across the individualistic-collectivistic dimension and how it can be generalized to the Singaporean culture. Research on PIL has largely been focused on the Western cultures, such as United States, and limited studies are done on Eastern cultures. PIL has not been examined in Singapore. Additionally, cross cultural studies that have been conducted are not adequately tailored to the domains of Eastern cultures. The goal of this paper is to deduce whether collectivistic cultures have a higher PIL, contrary to what Western literature has proposed. This has been done by comparing research on culture, which can be applicable to the measurement of PIL. Upon examination of the literature, it can be concluded that collectivistic cultures have PIL that is comparable to individualistic cultures, although its derivation is from the different perception of domains such as interpersonal relationships, career and religion. Evaluation of cross-cultural perspectives can show how these deductions can be generalized to Singapore, whose culture is largely collectivistic. This information can then direct future studies that aim to investigate PIL in Singapore.