Mapping Cultural Identity and Cultural Integration Among Two Generations of Immigrants in Singapore - Indian and Chinese

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 12 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Atiksh Sinha

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I2P105

How to Cite?

Atiksh Sinha, "Mapping Cultural Identity and Cultural Integration Among Two Generations of Immigrants in Singapore - Indian and Chinese," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12,  no. 2, pp. 38-51, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I2P105

Abstract:

Singapore is a highly cosmopolitan country that hosts people from various nationalities. Despite an environment presumed to be very cohesive and with different ethnic groups coexisting, cultural Integration varies among groups. This research sought to understand these differences and their underlying causes. A mixed methods study was conducted wherein 86 respondents were surveyed on cultural Integration and perceived cultural distance. In comparison, eight Indian and Chinese respondents were interviewed-four first-generation and four second-generation. Findings revealed that generational status did not affect perceived cultural distance or multicultural identity integration; however, ethnic background influenced how immigrants across generations perceived their cultural distance. No such findings were found for multicultural identity integration. Moreover, it was reported that individuals who feel a greater distance from the mainstream culture will make more significant efforts to mitigate that distance through Integration. Qualitative findings reveal that Indian immigrants experience greater lengths of subtle racism around Singapore, while Chinese immigrants deal with the troubles of adapting to the way of life in Singapore. All second-generation Respondents expressed stereotypical behavior positively and negatively across both groups. These findings underscore the significant role of ethnic background in shaping the acculturation process of Indian and Chinese immigrants within Singapore's multicultural landscape.

Keywords:

Cultural identity, Cultural Integration, Singapore immigration, Indian, Chinese.

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