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this page Newsletters - The Impact of Globalisation on Families and Communities
Singapore
Singapore is a small island with a population of about 4.5 million people, most of whom live in high rise flats built by government. With no natural resources or hinterland for economic support, the only resource we have is people. As part of the globalisation strategy, Singapore has to develop its citizens towards the new knowledge-based economy in which information and knowledge, rather than material resources, drive activities and countries are linked to one another via fast-growing information technology. Many companies are investing abroad and the demand for Singaporeans to work overseas has brought changes to people’s lifestyle, values and relationships within the family.
For the wives and children, it can be a culture shock if it is the first time they are staying in a foreign land. There may also be practical issues, such as learning a new language and schooling for the children. For families who can adapt to the changes, it can be enriching in learning more about another culture and forming new relationships. Families who share a similar faith with the local community can benefit from a smoother transition to the new environment. But some wives, cooped up in their homes minding their children and cut off from other contacts, may become emotionally distressed.
For men who work abroad for long periods, some may face sexual temptations and they need to be constantly in touch with their family in Singapore to cope with the loneliness and pressure of work.
As for the families remaining in Singapore, the responsibility of parenting children will solely rest on the spouse - usually the wife. Despite the fact that Singapore women are now receiving higher education and getting well-paid jobs, the expectation is still that it is the men who will go abroad to work. The stress on the wives is compounded if they also have full-time jobs and are also looking after aged parents. The frequent absence of the father means there is less bonding with the children - a heavy price, despite the increased material benefits which may result from his working abroad.
Values and lifestyle
Over the last five years, there have been tremendous changes in the values and lifestyle of the young people. The measure of success has been equated with the five Cs which stand for cash, credit card, car, condominium and career; and not so much on the quality of life and relationships. In pursuing this dream of five Cs, people are motivated to learn and upgrade their knowledge and skills so as to be more marketable. This can be at the expense of time with their families and some companies are shortening the number of working days or allowing employees to work from home.
Globalisation has not only brought about economic growth but also consumerism, and young people have become the target of most commercial advertisements. They are big spenders - unlike the older generation which values thrift and saving.
Marriage and children
There is a growing trend for graduates getting married at a later age or choosing to remain single. And the stress from the high cost of living, coupled with stress at work are factors which explain why many married couples have no children or delay having them. The very low birth rate is a serious issue, as Singapore’s population is ageing fast. By the year 2030, one in every four people will be aged 60 or over.
With the last economic downturn, Singaporeans no longer experience job security; jobs are often on a year’s contract and renewal is subject to performance. As married couples are caught up in the rat race, they have less time to nurture their relationship. In 2006, the ratio of divorces to marriages showed that one in every three marriages ended in divorce. This has serious consequences for the children and more effort will be needed to prepare people for marriage and parenthood to ensure that the home is a secure base where individuals can experience warmth and love.
Computer Literacy and Addiction
About 90% of households have computers with internet facility. The computer has replaced television to become a vital part of our life at work, leisure and education. There is an increase in youths involved in Internet gaming and some have resorted to stealing to pay their debts
Globalisation is here to stay. Information technology has brought different countries closer at the click of the mouse. With economic growth, we are enjoying affluence and convenience. But this is not reflective of the quality of life and healthy relationships. There are alternative five core values: contentment, character, commitment, community and compassion. These will help to develop a resilient and cohesive society comprising healthy families. They are the base camp to give security and meaning for our young to venture forth to activate their dreams.
The digital age and its effects on children - Hong Kong
Hong Kong as a metropolitan city has embraced digital development without any reservation. This has enabled the fast development of cable TV, which effectively brings distant events over the world to the homes of most families. Undeniably the mass media has acted as an effective agent of globalisation, bringing cultures of different parts of the world to Hong Kong. Local children are therefore exposed to etiquettes, clothing styles, food cuisines throughout the world.
In addition, the Internet access exposes young people to all the knowledge resources but also to risk. According to a recent survey, a quarter of young people interviewed spend more than four hours a day on the Internet, and some even spent more than nine hours. A lot of the time was playing Internet games and downloading songs, but some also viewed indecent material or engaged in Internet gambling. The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups investigated how young people aged from 7-20 spent their summer this year. About 80% indicated that the Internet would be the most frequent thing they did in the vacation and about 30% planned to use the Internet for more than four hours per day. Hong Kong social workers are particularly concerned at the Net bar where users can access the Internet at a price of US $2.5 for three hours, mainly using it for online games, viewing obscene pages or trivial chatting rather than the pursuit of knowledge.
This suggests that children have not seized the new opportunities to better equip themselves for being global citizens. They may be playing Japan-made play stations, using Korean-made mobile phones, dressed in US-made jeans, carrying French-made handbags, but their mindsets are far from global.
Rebecca Wong, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council
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