→ shapes persons identity.
Definition: race refers to the biological classification of people, which includes physical characteristics. #SocialStudiesDefinitions
- examples of physical characteristics are bone and jaw structure, color of skin, hair and eyes
- Physical characteristics Usually vary according to race
Ethnicity ⇒ based on the culture of a group of people who share the same ancestry, customs and traditions that distinguish them from other groups in society. SocialStudiesDefinitions (each ethnic groups has its of beliefs, values and practices that shape its identity and way of life)
Southeast Asia ⇒ different ethnic groups ⇒ have their unique customs, traditions and languages. Example: Singapore, within Malay community, there are different ethnic groups such as Javanese and the Bugis. → differ in terms of musical instruments and wedding clothes they choose. #SocialStudiesExamples
SG government → uses CMIO categorisation ⇒ to make decisions regarding policies related to race and ethnicity in Singapore.
| Group Representation Constituency (GRC) | Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) |
|---|---|
| Ensures minority races in singapore are represented in parliament group of members of Parliament (MPs) ⇒ represents interests of residents in constituency. → at least 1 of MPs in group representing GRC must belong to malay or indian community, or another minority racial community | ⇒ promote intereaction and harmony among ethnic groups in SG. → aim was also to prevent rise of ethnic enclaves. EIP ensures ⇒ there is a mix of various ethnic groups in each HDB block, based on ethnic make up of SG. diff ethnic groups live in same block ⇒ have opportunities to interact with each other |
| CMIO categorisation: |
- represents interests of minority groups
- encourage integration among racial and ethnic groups