February 5, 2020

Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser (NUS Department of Sociology) comments in NUS News on poverty and inequality in Singapore, offering his take on what a good welfare model would look like.

A/P Tan first questions the idea that some are more deserving of help than others by reframing the issue; the poor and disadvantaged should not be seen as “them”, but rather as part of “us” – the Singaporean nation. Furthermore, the idea that the poor have only themselves to blame is to ignore the structural constraints the poor face in the first place due to their socioeconomic conditions.

A/P Tan believes that a good welfare model should render assistance such that all members of Singapore’s society have their basic needs met, and that the multiple problems facing a needy family are addressed holistically. Furthermore, the welfare system should be equitable, rather than equal, as some would require more help than others. Administrative processes should also be streamlined. Finally, the system should have sustainable funding.

However, efforts must come from both sides. To achieve the goal of reducing poverty and facilitating social mobility, the welfare recipients must also take up the responsibility of doing better for themselves and their families.

Read the article here.