4) Why is it important to foster social cohesion?

Social cohesion is term used in social policy, sociology and political science to describe the bonds that bring people together in society.
Cohesion does not mean integration of the different ethnic groups and sharing of everything in common. Instead it is the widening of common grounds and developing of the respect and appreciation for their cultural diversity.

We need to instill individuals with a sense of belonging to Singapore and the feeling that they are recognized as members of our country. Everyone has to learn to accept diversity and manage conflicts as we need a society where workplaces are fair, where the voices of workers are respected and people can express their views without fear of acrimony.
Actually, meritocracy enforces social cohesion; providing equal chances for different people to excel. Besides that, everyone should have a good understanding of the importance of social unity.

As Singapore becomes more globalised and cosmopolitan, the shape and composition of our society also changes. Residents in Singapore not only comprise Chinese, Malays, Indians and the other minority racial groups but we also have a mix of residents hailing from all over the world. Shared values such as respect, responsibility and harmony would play an important role in fostering understanding and promoting harmonious relationships among the different communities living in our city-state. The society has provided opportunities for social interactions, which prove that co-existence is not multi-racial, but the enjoyment of each other’s company.

As we progress together, it is important to create platforms for maximizing the potential of people so that together, we can contribute towards the development of Singapore (social, economical and political).

“If in the four different languages of instructions we teach our children our four different standards of right and wrong, four different ideal patterns of behavior, then we will produce four different groups of people and there will be no integrated coherent society”

I totally agree with that sentence.

Fostering social cohesion is really very important.
In order to work together, agree with each other, social cohesion is the first step.
Some people do not agree with one another and thus, disputes and conflicts are brought up.
That is sometimes due to the lack of social interaction.
We really can't just stand there and watch people quarrel...
We have to do something about it.
And that is FOSTERING SOCIAL COHESION!


Credits (ideas from):
www.dictionary.com
http://www.cprn.com/documents/19422_en.pdf8
http://www.geocities.com/decheng/cohesion.htm
Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Debbie(: (o6)