Neoliberal Morality in Singapore

Published by Routledge

“A model of sociological analysis combining clear theoretical arguments and precise empirical analysis.” – Bryan S. Turner, The City University of New York

“A tightly argued and stimulating treatment of family policies in Singapore and their acceptance among the populace.” – Gavin W. Jones, National University of Singapore

ABOUT THE BOOK

Using the case study of Singapore and based on extensive fieldwork, this book examines the production of a set of institutionalised relationships and ethical meanings that link citizens to each other and the state. It looks at how questions of culture and morality are resolved, and how state-society relations are established that render paradoxes and inequalities acceptable, and form the basis of a national political culture.

The Singapore government has put in place a number of policies to encourage marriage and boost fertility that has attracted much attention, and are often taken as evidence that the Singapore state is a social engineer. The book argues that these policies have largely failed to reverse demographic trends, and reveals that the effects of the policies are far more interesting and significant. As Singaporeans negotiate various rules and regulations, they form a set of ties to each other and to the state. These institutionalised relationships and shared meanings, referred to as neoliberal morality, render particular ideals about family natural.

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