CHAN EN YING, GRACE

PhD Student

Research Title: Navigating Spatial Capital: Friendships Beyond Traditional Caregiving in Old Age
Research Group: Social and Cultural Geographies (SCG)
Thesis Advisor: Prof Elaine Ho
Co-thesis Advisor: Assoc Prof Vincent Chua

As ageing populations pose a pressing challenge to global care systems, the ‘community turn’ has refocused care geographies on the roles of friendships and informal networks. Central to this is the notion of social capital, which encompasses the benefits of trust, resources, and belonging derived from social relations. Yet, there is a notable gap in recognising the role of space in facilitating these networked interactions.

Addressing this, my research introduces ‘spatial capital’, highlighting the benefits from interactions in specific spaces, especially informal communal settings or ‘third places’ as described by Oldenburg (1999). The importance of fleeting interactions, such as those with strangers, is accentuated. Using a mixed-method version of Social Network Analysis (SNA), I explore how space and social components are mutually constitutive in care networks, mapping the daily interactions of 30 older adults in Singapore. I identify archetypes that delineate how space serves as “social brokers”. Such spaces extend from local neighbourhood areas like common corridors, to broader settings including friends’ homes, religious spaces, eateries, and travel destinations. I show that spaces—not just social actors—possess capacities to ‘bridge’ and ‘bond’, creating and deepening social connections. By integrating space into the traditionally actor-centric SNA, the research elevates space’s role in relational thought, highlighting its direct bearing on the coming together and apart of care components. My research seeks to broaden our understanding of care, suggesting a more inclusive paradigm that recognises the range of (social, spatial, affective, and material) interactions that support seniors’ well-being.

My research interests are in the areas of ageing, friendships, emotions, and social networks. For the past fifteen years, I have been involved in volunteer work with older adults particularly those with weak family support. This ignited my interest in studying the often-neglected role of companionship and peer support in the ageing process. With a quantitative background in Economics from the LSE coupled with qualitative Geography from NUS, I am an advocate of mixed-methods and interdisciplinary approaches to understand social phenomena. Outside of academia, I spent seven years in the Singapore public service, across the social and technology sectors at both the policy and field operations levels. Additionally, my contributions to projects at international NGOs is a step towards my desire to marry scholarly insights with ground impact. I would love to get in touch with anyone interested in similar areas.