Ssc211E Social Science Research Methods Assessment Answer

olt, 2016). The country is majorly concerned with social harmony and has constantly made it the priority of government. The problem of inequality of income distribution, has affected other aspects such as social inequality, social mobility and social integration has lead to many other associated issues in the state. Therefore, the study has been developed to explore and investigate three aspects in Singapore that include income inequality, social mobility and social integration.

Rationale of the research: why do this research?

The growing problem due to unequal income researchers has successfully dragged the attention of the researchers. Although Singapore is one of the developed and organized states it is facing social and economic challenges. Therefore, the question arises regarding social inequality, social mobility and social integrity and the reasons for the following issue’s occurrence. The reason for this study is to find out the  causes and suitable solution for the challenges.

Research aims and objectives:

The aim of the study is to develop a study to investigate and explore aspects of social inequality in Singapore.

The objective of the study are-

• Identify the concepts related to the issues faced by Singapore such as income inequality, social mobility and social integration.
• Discuss the related problems with income equality faced by Singapore.
• To investigate the reasons for the occurring social issues in Singapore.

Literature Review

Income inequality conceptualization:

Income inequality refers to distribution of income in an uneven manner among the citizens of the state. It is the gap between the rich and other people existing in the same society (Corak, 2013). With all the economic growth of individual countries often the dispersion of the income among the population is uneven and unfair. There can be several reasons that can cause unequal inequality in a state however, the causes may vary depending on other related factors responsible for the changes.

Income inequality in Singapore

Singapore is one of the countries who have always given priority to the problem of social inequality. Therefore the country remains to be an egalitarian and multicultural (Sai, 2013). The present social issue that has been Singapore’s concern is unequal income among the Singaporean. The wealth gap between the rich and poor is considered the result of unequal income distribution. Over the last years of 20^th century the income inequality has increased in Singapore along with other developed countries. However, the issue has seen a decline over the last decade in Singapore and an increase in the real per capita household income.

The technology and globalization has facilitated the income inequality in the state and considered as a major cause of income inequality (Jaumotte, Lall & Papageorgiou, 2013). Since a person’s income is directly based on capabilities and education qualification, it is an absolute necessity to make quality education available to every citizen to eliminate the income inequality. Also, the lower income groups who fail to earn sufficient amount for living needs help and support. Singapore has been taking significance measures to fight against the challenge and the country has seen the benefits as well. With measures such as subsidies for lower-income group, emphasis on quality education, homeownership and affordable healthcare the country has intervened to support the less well-off.

Class division due to income inequality

Although the country is moving toward the stabilized income distribution another social issue is on the rise. According to sociologists, the country is shifting from society based on race to a society based on class. A division in the society has become prominent, the division in society based on class. The clarity in class division shows the limitation one follows while growing their social networks (Koh, 2014). The state has played efficient role in creating multiculturalism and mixing ethnic groups however, the division between class group is now that seeks attention in Singapore. The division according to class shows people has friends and acquaintance from other gender, race, age, religion and ethnicity however, people are not found not having much connection with people from other class. There is a clear difference between people residing in private property and public flats and children studying in elite school and public schools (Chew, 2017).

Methodology

Research philosophy:

The belief about the way researcher determines to gather information, analyse the information and use it to carry out a research. Epistemology includes different philosophies of research approach. In this research positivism is used.

Data collection method:

The study will consist of primary as well as secondary data. The original information collected first handed is called the primary data. Secondary data are the data collected from other peer groups or second-handed researches are called secondary data (Cleary, Horsfall & Hayter 2014). The study will use data gathered from secondary sources as well as collect information through interview, it requires both primary and secondary data. Since the secondary data will provide in-depth knowledge through other scholar’s perspectives the secondary data is used in the research. Also, the primary data will help implementing the theories in the practical life and find the conclusion.

Data analysis method:

The study will use both qualitative and quantities data. Qualitative data are the information that provides data that cannot be measured. Quantitative data are the data that are measurable. The combination of both the methods will provide broader perspective and give deeper insight of the issue.

Sampling method:

The research will follow the stratified sampling. The stratified sampling is the technique that divides the population into subgroups or categories that are suitable for the study and select the samples. The stratified sampling will divide the population into the wealthier group and poor people and highlight each group’s perspective.

Ethical issues:

The ethical issues that has the possibility to rise would be as follows-

• Collecting authorized data from the legal corners of Singapore can be one of the significant problems which need to be overcome. Although the study will follow the legal processes, it may face trouble.
• Openness of the people may arise as people do not feel comfortable talking about income and their socio-economic status.

Time horizon

Research Activities	0-2 Weeks	3-6 Weeks	7-8 Weeks	9-10 Weeks	14th Week
Selection Of Research Topic	ü
Review Of Literature	ü
Data Collection		ü
Data Analysis			ü
Final Research Thesis					ü

 

References:

Chew, P. G. L. (2017). Remaking Singapore: Language, culture, and identity in a globalized world. In Language policy, culture, and identity in Asian contexts (pp. 83-104). Routledge.

Cleary, M., Horsfall, J., & Hayter, M. (2014). Data collection and sampling in qualitative research: does size matter?. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(3), 473-475.

Corak, M. (2013). Income inequality, equality of opportunity, and intergenerational mobility. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 27(3), 79-102.

Jaumotte, F., Lall, S., & Papageorgiou, C. (2013). Rising income inequality: technology, or trade and financial globalization?. IMF Economic Review, 61(2), 271-309.

Koh, A. (2014). Doing class analysis in Singapore's elite education: unravelling the smokescreen of ‘meritocratic talk’. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 12(2), 196-210.

Sai, S. M. (2013). Educating multicultural citizens: Colonial nationalism, imperial citizenship and education in late colonial Singapore. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 44(1), 49-73.

Solt, F. (2016). The standardized world income inequality database. Social science quarterly, 97(5), 1267-1281.

TAN, K. S. (2013). Inequality and the need for a new social compact.