2-1 What is diversity?

Factors that shape identity and contribute to a diverse society

Nationality

Nationality shapes identity as national identity influences personal lifestyle choices, actions, beliefs and experiences.

For example, Singaporeans, being part of a multicultural society, also share a deep respect for multiracial and multireligious practices and a common love for food across cultures. Singaporeans would also share a commitment to bilingualism and the use of the common language, English.

This in turn shapes the individual’s identity and actions, for example, when they interact with other citizens.

Thus, nationality shapes identity.

Race and Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity shape identity as the practices and beliefs of the communities that we belong to influence our way of life.

For example, in Singapore, diversity in terms of race and ethnicity means that many customs are celebrated and observed by different races and ethnic groups in Singapore.

(Students can give further specific examples here).

The practices and beliefs of these communities shape our way of life. Hence, people of different race and ethnicity, as a result, would be different from those from other races and ethnicities.

Thus race and ethnicity shape identity.

Religion

Religion shapes identity as the beliefs and practices of the religion people belong to would share the way they interact with others, the choices they make and their thinking.

(Students can pick and give specific examples here).

For example, the Muslims can only eat Halal food and the males have to go for Friday prayers at the mosque.

People react and respond according to the beliefs and as such religion influence our way our life in many ways, such as our beliefs, life choices and dietary choices.

Hence religion shapes our identity.

Socio-economic Status

SES shapes people’s identity as it shapes their life experience.

For example, activities such as golf, fine dining and travelling to distant destinations for vacations are usually activities carried out by people with higher SES. Activities such as swimming, soccer and basketball are enjoyed by individuals across all SES groups as street soccer and basketball courts are easily accessible to the public.

Hence, this shows that SES can affect the choice of food, entertainment and activities. This in turn can influence the circle of friends that one interacts with.

In this way, one’s identity can be shaped by one’s SES.