A pragmatic cultural means : growth trajectory of Singapore Hokkien Association through the lens of state ideologies

• Main Author: Pek, Shun Fu
• Other Authors: Zhan Shaohua
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66145
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Ever since Singapore’s independence, state authorities have embraced social engineering as its preferred means of state control to achieve state-defined ends. This research paper critically analyze the position of the Singapore Hokkien Association (SHA) in relation to dominant state ideologies. Using the intersection of Foucault’s Governmentality, Althusser’s Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) and Interpellation, and Gidden’s Theory of Structuration, position of the SHA within Singapore’s political sphere can be illuminated. Qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews with members of the SHA, archival research on past speeches made and observing informal events and activities will be evaluated to justify a state-centric control of the SHA that transforms it into a cultural instrument for state-defined ends. While the research findings confirms an alignment to state ideologies, it also uncovers how changing demographics have resulted in members of the SHA existing as a catalyst that steered the SHA towards state ideologies.