Just as an economic recession destroys capital, jobs and livelihoods, a social recession undermines empathy, solidarity and humanity - qualities necessary to sustain inclusive and cohesive societies. A reference to recession in relation to community engagement, a concept associated with social psychologist David Myers, might not be in tune with the fiscal matters discussed during Budget debates in Parliament. But it is pertinent to a broader concern relating to the perception of the current buzzword ― inclusiveness.

To be sure, new NMP Laurence Lien raised this issue dramatically when he suggested that Singapore was indeed in a social recession. He and other MPs in Parliament last week took up recurring social themes ― fading resilience, loosening family bonds, the loss of a shared identity, community cohesiveness, and the emergence of a what’s-in-it- for-me? mentality. To hear of an epidemic of narcissism and self-entitlement here, one can be forgiven for thinking that Singapore is indeed in the throes of a social recession. However, that would be inflating things. When British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke of Britain’s ‘social recession’ two years ago, it was in relation to rising violent crime that drew widespread attention. The issues voiced by MPs in Singapore are weaknesses that many urban societies are afflicted with in varying degrees. So while MPs pointed out the weeds, it is worth noting too that there are also green shoots, with agencies and grassroots groups pushing forward with programmes to address social ills.

A sense of perspective is vital, not least since social deficits are not amenable to any quick fix, and require sustained effort by all, not just the authorities. One drawback of associating inclusiveness with the Budget is the danger that many might conclude that achieving such a society is mostly about allocating sufficient funds to take care of the less well-off, the aged and the disabled. Material benefits for them are important, of course. But money alone will never be enough to bridge the gulf between the haves and have-nots. Unlike budget deficits, social deficits cannot be erased by rebalancing accounts. And poor social attitudes cannot be legislated out of existence.

Ultimately, the answer lies in Singaporeans themselves. Attitudes towards older workers, the aged, the disabled, underperforming children, and foreign workers living in our midst must mature, so more will view Singapore society as a single eco-system. In this system, people who are somehow ‘different’ are not shunned, but included in every sense, in neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces. Strength lies in such inclusiveness.

(The Straits Times)

(Asia News Network)