Families, the State and Educational Inequality in the Singapore City-State

Chiong's book explores the perspectives of socio-economically disadvantaged families in Singapore's education system, highlighting the close collaboration between the state, schools, and families. It demonstrates how families' dependency on schools can facilitate the internalization of responsibility for future success, but also perpetuate inequality. The book offers insights into how policy is experienced and provides recommendations for a more equitable state-citizen compact.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Focusing on Singapores education system from an equity perspective, Chiongs book delves into the often unheard perspectives of socio-economically disadvantaged families in Singapore. Recognized for its exceptional performance on international education benchmarking tests, Singapore has garnered widespread attention. However, less known is how socio-economically disadvantaged families navigate the highly competitive, stratifying, and meritocratic system of Singapore. Families perspectives hold immense value in understanding how policies are enacted and experienced, as well as their impact on individuals' lives.

Drawing on 72 in-depth interviews with 12 families, this book explores the remarkable development of close, collaborative relationships between the state, schools, and families on Singapores socio-economic margins. It showcases how, in the strong state of Singapore, families reliance on schools and the state fosters the internalization of individual and familial responsibility for future success. Nevertheless, these very processes can perpetuate inequality.

The analysis presented in this book holds relevance in other contexts, particularly in advanced capitalist states grappling with growing inequalities and challenging relationships between institutional authority and the broader populace. As socio-economic and educational disparities widen, this book raises timely questions and offers recommendations for a more equitable state-citizen compact.

The book will appeal to researchers and students interested in the fields of sociology, politics of education, social policy, and Asian culture and society. Its insights shed light on the complex dynamics of education systems and provide valuable perspectives on promoting equity and social mobility in diverse societies.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367646042