1. subject / discipline

2. description of topic (please KIV "motive")

3. case studies / sources (this is to check that you've done at least a cursory lit review - you know what's been written about the topic, or discussions and issues in it)

4. needs (what advice do you require? e.g. in methodology like how to conduct a survey? etc.)

5. looking for members?

https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/17970

This is an interdisciplinary study of Attic conceptions of the deceased in the afterlife. It thereby aims to identify and explain how the deceased were represented in a specifically selected corpus of textual and iconographic material originating from the Archaic and Classical periods. It includes descriptions of the deceased in the afterlife in Homeric epic poetry and 5th century Athenian drama, as well as representations of the deceased in Attic vase-paintings from the 6th and 5th centuries BC.

2.https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/3488/

The corpus of texts surviving from medieval Scandinavia which contain, or purport to contain, pre-Christian myths, vestiges of a pagan belief-system, is quite large. As in all religions, the fate of the ‘soul’ after death is shown to be of primary concern to pagan Scandinavians. This paper is concerned with the way in which the afterlife, in its various forms, is presented in extant literary texts: not as an exercise in religious history, but in an attempt to find out what literary use was made by authors of different periods and genres of the two main Scandinavian realms of the dead, Valhll and Hel.

https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9789004294141/B9789004294141-s006.xml

This essay explores the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, including Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon, focusing on the concepts of death and afterlife. Death is presumed to be physical unless otherwise indicated, with afterlife referred to as ìafterdeath.î The discussion centers on ìnon-lifeî as represented by sheol, a condition or place often paired with death and personified as a dynamic power. Emphasizing the broader meaning of ìlifeî in wisdom literature as encompassing quality, dignity, and proper relationships, the essay contrasts this with the absence of such characteristics in sheol, categorizing it as fundamentally ìnon-life.

METHODOLOGIES AND NEEDS:

1. Read pieces of literature → “An Ember In The Ashes” series by Sabaa Tahir, which features The Forest of Dusk that is kind of a waiting place for lost souls before they move on into the afterlife; The Giver and its portrayal of life after death

2. Watch movies → Soul by Disney; The Book of Life by Pixar; Coco; Kung Fu Panda 3

3. Survey about what people think about death and afterlife and how it is shown through literature and film and whether they think it is impactful and carries a relevant message.

4. Compare how these representations/interpretations possibly relate to the different types of afterlives that different religions/communities believe in + how the author/scriptwriter/director has been influenced by upbringing 

Different types of afterlife theories: https://youtu.be/sKlRhQCuctQ?si=V9bd4rQApaSluYfX

1. what makes it different from a class assignment or test?

2. what makes a topic worth looking into?

3. what is the role of primary or secondary sources?

The typical key components of a research paper include:

1. Title

2. Abstract

3. Introduction

4. Literature Review

5. Methods

6. Results

7. Discussion

8. Conclusion

9. References

10. Acknowledgments

paste the URL and Abstracts of at least 3 articles you find on Google Scholar on your topic / area of interest

e.g. 1: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/58910394.pdf Applying techniques from the growing field of ecocriticism, this article uses Jane Eyre to explore a growing environmental awareness among middle-class Victorians and demonstrate how their need to preserve a “wild” or “natural” landscape coincides with ideas of liberty and freedom prevalent in the novel. By looking at Jane’s changing interactions with and interpretations of the natural world, we can gain a better understanding of the value and interpretation of landscape to the Victorians. In Jane Eyre, Jane’s journeys continually lead her to finding a way to balance her human wants and needs with the “wildness” of the natural world.

2: ........

https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/17970

This is an interdisciplinary study of Attic conceptions of the deceased in the afterlife. It thereby aims to identify and explain how the deceased were represented in a specifically selected corpus of textual and iconographic material originating from the Archaic and Classical periods. It includes descriptions of the deceased in the afterlife in Homeric epic poetry and 5th century Athenian drama, as well as representations of the deceased in Attic vase-paintings from the 6th and 5th centuries BC.

2.https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/3488/

The corpus of texts surviving from medieval Scandinavia which contain, or purport to contain, pre-Christian myths, vestiges of a pagan belief-system, is quite large. As in all religions, the fate of the ‘soul’ after death is shown to be of primary concern to pagan Scandinavians. This paper is concerned with the way in which the afterlife, in its various forms, is presented in extant literary texts: not as an exercise in religious history, but in an attempt to find out what literary use was made by authors of different periods and genres of the two main Scandinavian realms of the dead, Valhll and Hel.

https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9789004294141/B9789004294141-s006.xml

This essay explores the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, including Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon, focusing on the concepts of death and afterlife. Death is presumed to be physical unless otherwise indicated, with afterlife referred to as ìafterdeath.î The discussion centers on ìnon-lifeî as represented by sheol, a condition or place often paired with death and personified as a dynamic power. Emphasizing the broader meaning of ìlifeî in wisdom literature as encompassing quality, dignity, and proper relationships, the essay contrasts this with the absence of such characteristics in sheol, categorizing it as fundamentally ìnon-life.î Symbolic representations include watery darkness and a lack of connection with the Lord. The essay underscores the simplicity of the Hebrew conception of human makeup and argues against affirming true existence in sheol, maintaining its enigmatic portrayal as a reality beyond the comprehension of ancient Israelites.

Taking its cue from John Knox’s famous diatribe against female rule, The Monstruous Regiment of Women (1558), this essay seeks to investigate Shakespeare’s vision of queenly power in Anthony and Cleopatra. Contrasting his Egyptian majesty with figures of female authority in a number of earlier plays, it reads Anthony’s teasing description of that “strange serpent” the crocodile as a key to the play’s treatment of Cleopatra, that “serpent of old Nile”. By virtue of their seeming beyond definition or satisfactory description, both creatures are rendered “strange” or “monstrous” – placed, as it were, outside the bourn of what seems “natural”. But where the monstrous normally incites disgust or horror, in Cleopatra’s case it invites admiration and amazement – a wonder that extends to the magic of theatre itself with its strange power to make real what it admits nevertheless “beggars all description”.

“Monstruous Empire”: Queenly Power in Antony and Cleopatra | Skenè. Journal of Theatre and Drama Studies

William Shakespeare’s play Antony and Cleopatra focuses on the fatal love affair of the titular characters, the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, and the militant leader of the Roman triumvirate, Mark Antony. This play is a dramatization of an already familiar narrative from the centuries prior. Writers like Plutarch and Virgil as well as Chaucer and Horace had their own iterations of the drama. Shakespeare’s play offers a re-centered vantage point of the political and romantic dynamics of this relationship between lovers and legends. This rendition complicates and humanizes the mythos of Antony and Cleopatra in ways that include new considerations for this audience. Additionally, Shakespeare veers away from some of his traditional approaches to writing in this text. I believe that Shakespeare goes further in his portrayal of the Egyptian queen than with most of the other women he writes and would like to offer a new reading of her lasting influence. This essay is primarily interested in the structures of power Antony and Cleopatra defend and display between them and seeks to further the discussion of a particular character archetype highlighted in the work of Bruce R. Smith’s Shakespeare and Masculinity. By relying on close readings of the play, feminist theory, and Smith’s argument, sufficient evidence can be provided for another contextualization of one of Shakespeare’s most endearing characters.

An Argument for Cleopatra -- the "Herculean Hero" -- of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra | Journal of the Wooden O

William Shakespeare, the greatest World poet and playwright, had an enormous talent for combining and expressing thoughts and emotions, expanding the capacity of language, in the representation of thinking, acting and interpreting. Shakespeare’s art of characterization, his power of creating personality through verbal and non-verbal clues, is exemplary. His tragic play, Antony and Cleopatra depicts the most famous lovers in history, their affair, their war together, their defeat and finally their suicide. The story had been told and retold for centuries in many different ways with many possible interpretations. I attempt to read the character of Cleopatra in the light of Queer Theory, which emerged in the early 1990s as a field of critical theory interested in shifting the boundaries and re-evaluating gender arrangements.

Shakespeare's Cleopatra: Queer Disposition in Character Development | International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management

I've recently taken a liking and am intrigued by the concept of semantic bleaching ( like how words like "literally" doesn't really mean "literally" anymore and is used instead as a word to emphasise the object after it)

and by how derogatory terms can be reclaimed by minorities that are targeted by those terms and used as something positive! I think it's really interesting and there is much debate to be had as there is a grey area between whether the usage of a slur is right or wrong depending on who is using it. I really love learning about the histories and synthesis of new words and the reasons behind why that is the case.

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378216601000480

Modern uses of the word literally are surveyed, and the solecistic misuse of this word as an expression of speaker commitment is shown to be a natural semantic extension of its basic metalinguistic meaning. The development appears to be typical of a large class of intensifiers, though it is argued that literally itself is only in the early stages of such an evolution. Aspects of this development are observed to run counter to well-known tendencies for meaning change to involve subjectification, and it is suggested that subjectification itself may be a special case of the ways in which originally pragmatic meanings can become conventionalized properties of a form's lexical semantics.

1. https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/138389/1/8_%EB%B0%95%EC%84%B8%EB%AF%B8.pdf

The second definition of the adverb, literally, was officially added to the major English dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster, a dictionary of American English, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, and

Oxford Dictionary of English, in around 2013. The original definition of literally used to refer a particular fashion, as the word denotes,‘in a literal way,’but the additional definition of ‘informal’literally is used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a literal or non-literal statement or description. Since literally became available to mean ‘figuratively’as well, two contradictory senses of literally have drawn many people’s attention for the last decade. A lot of people have been arguing about the ‘proper’use of literally online, and the dispute seemed to reach its peak as the major English dictionaries added the second definition of literally. Despite the prevalence of debates about the correct use of ‘literally,’

1. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/529469736.pdf

This interdisciplinary psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic thesis explores the cognitive processing of slurs, in particular those targeting the LGBTQ+ community. It also seeks to determine whether the phenomenon of linguistic reclamation has any effects on the processing of slurs. Existing research on the processing of taboo language more broadly has identified that taboo words are accessed from the mental lexicon more slowly than non-taboo words, yet are better remembered than non-taboo language after they are encountered. This body of research has also suggested that among other factors, degree of emotional arousal and perceptions of a word’s tabooness are key modulators of both of these effects. However, until now, research into taboo language processing has not at all considered whether these effects are produced for slur words as a specific category of taboo language, nor whether linguistic reclamation might alter arousal responses and tabooness judgements, to the extent that expected taboo language processing effects are no longer produced.

The research consisted of five separate studies. The first two studies were preliminary surveys used to identify the most recognisable LGBTQ+ slurs in contemporary British English, gain insights into their use and reclamation, and produce a database of normed emotional, nonemotional, and reclamation behaviour ratings for these words. Two lab experiments followed, in which the lexical accessibility and recall likelihood of LGBTQ+ slurs was compared both to non-taboo negative words, and other taboo words which were not slurs. Comparisons were also made based on participant demographic data, and the normed ratings were used to model explanations of the results. The final study was a pupillometry study which sought to directly measure an impact of linguistic reclamation on physiological arousal responses. Data collection for this final study had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the design and potential outcomes of the study are comprehensively detailed within this thesis.

1. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=663134

This paper explores the nature and linguistic mechanics of hate speech and, using both traditional analytic approaches from the philosophy of language – primarily the Austinian theory of speech acts and the Gricean framework for speaker meaning – as well as contemporary contributions to the literature, it examines the possibility of reclaiming words of hate in order to disarm them of their power to inflict harm – this possibility of linguistic disarmament is one that we take to be self-evidently desirable, especially from the perspective of those who might otherwise be vulnerable to the effects of hate speech. After establishing what constitutes hate speech, the paper moves on to consider how it operates and how it might come to change. We determine from our analysis that words of hate can only effectively be disarmed, as it were, through the process of reclamation. Thus, we then look at some case studies to elucidate the shifting nature of the meaning of hate words. Finally, operating on the basis of our normative goal of disarming this particular class of harmful words, we tie the preceding analysis together and advance our strategy for how to disarm hate words, as well as considering some objections that might be levied against our position.

• The article/book discusses whether societal norms have a behavior guiding force. It challenged me to ponder deeply about whether human behavior would always conform with dominant social norms. I was able to take a first step in the direction of a deeper understanding of what motivates humans to follow a norm and finding out the reason why social norms even exist in the first place. By weighing the conditional preferences for obeying a norm, we shed light on the plethora of reasons why collective conformity takes root in society. Through the article/book, I have gained new insight that social norms often go against narrow self-interest and a need for greater conscious deliberation and balancing of what one perceives as the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action. 

  
  

  2. https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.1019457108 

• This article pushed me to think more critically about the transition in social norms required for a society’s advancement. Looking through the lens of whether social norms are self-enforcing, we can gain a better understanding of the reasons behind an individual abiding by a certain societal norm. The article gave a fresh perspective on looking at social norms from a vantage point, casting new light on the boundaries of societal norms. 

3. https://www.sas.upenn.edu/ppe-repec/ppc/wpaper/0015.pdf 

• This article challenges the stereotypical view on societal norms and gives a new perspective on how characterizing norms simply as clusters of expectations can be misleading. Shedding light on the discrepancies between societal expectations and behavior, the article teaches us that a norm cannot simply be identified with a recurrent behavioral pattern. It pushed me to think deeper on how the existence of norms is the very starting point of behavioral patterns. I can gain greater new insight on whether or not there truly is a relation between people's normative beliefs and what people in fact do/act; in which this can be linked to the bigger topic of social psychology.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8462.1992.tb00588.x

https://academic.oup.com/ia/article-abstract/79/4/739/2434804

Escapism-and-Motivation-Understanding-K-pop-Fans-Well-being-and-Identity.pdf (researchgate.net)

Japan one is interesting too

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09589236.2011.617604

1. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/106481440/the_collapse_of_nica-libre.pdf?1697012964=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DUnderstanding_the_Events_Leading_to_the.pdf&Expires=1706973991&Signature=AyUa83wt-lf1sR~SpaIC~09nkv8LFZ8PCn8qSmiFzKVxCJ7sl2gYEpHapzMDvq9F2ByQSHZ~xoEPlyDI~Vh8udAyCSPlHQDxi3wjIZMYOFLQtQX9NusSQBSldANuB81soNWLXVS~AINlAQhXy6ViX945Be-3Th7VcbDTPqc~c4vYW2QBJXsidnOZ5NpGn43qXPCvVHUxaBscvTtPDUt50epsoEh38q-Juuea8fPaiUoyGZ7DjlyGHstS4zwB90IxmDo-xFGrjXOD5ktNQRBOX9IpPZEen8i3zTAAC07cP027Auu~MhuXTpwFkkybU6AdHWl1QANb4lRgbzvsRGm7kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA

   
   

   This article enhances my comprehension of the collapse of the USSR by delving into the multifaceted reasons and underlying backgrounds that contributed to its downfall. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors and discussion points surrounding the USSR's demise, offering a nuanced perspective and a more detailed understanding of its root causes. This in-depth analysis establishes a foundation for me, serving as a precursor to exploring the profound impacts and consequences of it.

2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26925780?read-now=1&seq=77#page_scan_tab_contents

   
   

   This article not only presents an alternative perspective on the factors contributing to the collapse of the USSR, but it also offers a comprehensive examination of specific events and policies that unfolded in the aftermath. Detailing the consequences of the USSR's fall facilitates a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of various elements in this historical narrative.

3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27007772

   
   

   This article explores the contemporary repercussions of the USSR's collapse, shedding light on its ongoing influence in the present-day world. It particularly delves into the Russia-Ukraine conflict shaped by the fall of the USSR.

2. Description of topic

• We chose to explore the topic of single parenthood, a particularly at-the-margins group of individuals that presents a note-worthy and explorable landscape due to its impact on child development. In today's rapidly evolving social landscape, the traditional family structure has evolved significantly, with single-parent households becoming increasingly common. This societal shift has sparked a growing interest in understanding the impacts of single parenthood on childhood development. Single parenthood can arise from various circumstances, including divorce, separation, or the choice to raise a child independently. Regardless of the underlying reasons, single parents face unique challenges in balancing the responsibilities of parenting alone while providing a nurturing environment for their children. 

• Within this context, we want to find out why behavioral problems, educational dropout, and lower self-esteem, amongst other issues are more prevalent in children brought up by single parents and their impact on child development. Such issues are commonly intertwined with one another and are significant hurdles that such children of single parents have largely failed to overcome, which hinders their development as people. We acknowledge that the absence of the traditional nuclear family support system, consisting of both a biological maternal and paternal figure, may potentially contribute to these challenges. The underrepresentation of such non-archetype family structures has led to failure in solving issues related to the upbringing of single-parent children. Hence, there is a need for greater support for them from policymakers, and more care and understanding given to them by the general public. We also aim to create or encourage a more inclusive environment for such families and their children to grow up in.

3. Case studies/sources 

• https://books.google.com.sg/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ChSuBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=single+parents+on+child+development&ots=Ol_sv0iEFU&sig=Uy0RGPI6cZMep_j4OMBXPmKa0ag&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=single%20parents%20on%20child%20development&f=false 

- The book discusses in depth how various "deviations” from traditional family styles affect childrearing practices and child development. Instead of dwelling on the "deviance" of these childrearing modes or styles, the book illustrates the dynamic developmental processes that characterize parenting and child development in contexts that can be deemed nontraditional because they do not reflect the demographic characteristics of the traditional families on which social scientists have largely focused. Through the discussion of the dynamics and possible effects of dual-earner families, families with unusually involved fathers, families characterized by the occurrence of divorce, single parenthood, remarriage, poverty, adoption, reliance on non-parental childcare, ethnic membership as well as violent and/or neglectful parents. By so doing, the authors provide thoughtful, literate, and up-to-date accounts of a diverse array of nontraditional or traditionally understudied family types. All the chapters offer answers to a common question: How do these patterns of childcare affect children, their experiences, and their developmental processes? The answers to these questions are of practical importance and have significant implications for the understanding of developmental processes in general. As a result, the book will be of value to basic social scientists, as well as to those professionals concerned with guiding and advising clients and public policy.

• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09731342231179017

- This article explores the evolving dynamics of single-parent families in the context of changing societal beliefs and structures. It discusses the challenges faced by single parents and the impact of family instability on children's development, including their mental and physical health, academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being. The article also highlights the positive outcomes and resilience-building factors that can help mitigate the negative effects of single parenting. Through a comprehensive review of research findings and statistical data, it provides insights into the prevalence of single-parent households globally and in particular India, shedding light on the various factors contributing to the rise of single parenthood. The article emphasizes the importance of effective parenting, social support systems, and interventions to promote the well-being of both single parents and their children. 

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2524.2008.00781.x 

- This paper presents findings from a research project funded by the European Union, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of children and young people from single-parent families in England, Greece, and Cyprus, acting as case studies that support us further with our research paper. The study aimed to explore how these individuals perceive and navigate their lives within single-parent households, particularly concerning poverty and social exclusion. In England, the research utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with children of single parents, as well as those from two-parent families, along with discussions with single and two-parent families, and interviews with professionals. The findings underscore the children's awareness of poverty's impact on their family dynamics and daily lives, emphasizing the challenges of "time poverty." Despite these difficulties, the study also sheds light on the positive aspects of single-parent families while highlighting the children's struggles with exclusion from social activities due to financial constraints

• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rense-Nieuwenhuis/publication/332678628_Single_Parents_in_Context/links/5cdfbd35a6fdccc9ddb953a3/Single-Parents-in-Context.pdf 

- This paper scrutinizes the prevalence and characteristics of single-parent households while shedding light on the challenges they encounter. Through an exploration of factors like income levels, social policies, and cultural norms, the paper elucidates how these elements shape the experiences of single parents and their children within society. Moreover, it delves into the implications of single parenthood for family well-being, child development, and the formulation of social policies designed to support single-parent families. By examining single parenthood within its broader societal context, the paper provides valuable insights into the dynamics of contemporary family structures and the challenges they face.

4.  Needs 

• We require some advice in deciding on appropriate methodologies to go about getting more information on our topic. For example, if we were to conduct a survey or interviews, we understand that this topic might be sensitive to some, and hence we are not really sure what would be the most appropriate methodology that we should choose to ensure that we get meaningful insight while respecting the sensitivities and privacy of those involved (ie the single parent or the child that has been brought up by a single parent) at the same time. We would like advice on how to carefully select and combine appropriate methodologies, such that we can gather comprehensive insights while minimizing potential discomfort to those involved in this sensitive research topic. Afterward, guidance on ensuring that the execution of our chosen approach is respectful would help as well. 

5. Looking for members?

• No, our group which consists of Faith, Avril, Chidviya and Zio, we are not looking for additional members. 

2. We aim to delve into code switching as a phenomenon amongst Malays in Singapore, examine and underscore certain unique aspects of code switching in this particular instance, and investigate the possible causes and factors contributing to this phenomenon across different ages, as well as the implications this may have on a cultural and linguistic level.

3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13670050.2021.1997903#:~:text=among%20Singapore%20preschoolers.-,Predictors%20of%20code%2Dswitching%20in%20Singapore%20preschoolers,and%20parent–child%20shared%20activities.  (Patterns and predictors of code-switching in Singapore preschoolers: a corpus-based study)

   https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijsl.1998.130.129/html (Code-switching and learning among young children in Singapore)

   https://melta.org.my/journals/TET/downloads/tet16_01_03.pdf (Functions of Code-switching in Malaysia and Singapore)

4. We may need help consulting someone more versed and nuanced in the field of Linguistics, as this is a discipline quite unfamiliar to us. We might be able to use this advice to better analyse and understand speech patterns and apply them to our research. Perhaps we may also need guidance in regards to crafting a survey as we foresee that we may have to conduct one in order to collect relevant data.

5. We are not sure if we want to look for more members.

Description of the topic:

In this study, we concentrate on the lives of individuals residing near or below the poverty line in Singapore. Despite Singapore's reputation as a developed nation with a high standard of living, some Singaporeans face significant financial struggles, especially with the increasing prices due to factors like the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Despite Singapore's high rankings in global indices such as the Global Innovation Index, the persistence of poverty prompts questions about its underlying causes.

Our aim is to delve into the challenges encountered by those teetering on the brink of poverty and to examine the government's strategies to assist them. By scrutinizing both the hardships faced by these individuals and the effectiveness of government support, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of poverty in Singapore. Ultimately, our findings will contribute to ongoing efforts to address this pressing issue and inform future policy decisions.

Motive:

The motive for studying the lives of people living near or below the poverty line in Singapore stems from a desire to understand and address socioeconomic disparities within the country, including social inequality. Despite Singapore's overall prosperity and development, there exists a segment of the population facing financial challenges and struggling to meet basic needs. This persistent socioeconomic gap highlights the pressing need to examine underlying factors contributing to inequality. By delving into the experiences of these individuals and evaluating the government's response, we aim to identify gaps in support systems and ultimately work towards creating a more equitable society where all citizens can thrive. Additionally, understanding the factors contributing to poverty in Singapore can inform broader discussions about economic inequality and social welfare policies locally. Recognizing and addressing social inequality due to socioeconomic status is crucial for fostering a fair and just society, where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources for a better quality of life, as high inequality discourages skill development, limits mobility to advance socially or economically within the society, and hinders economic growth. High inequality fosters insecurity and erodes trust by creating unfairness and instability. It exacerbates social tensions by widening the gap between different socioeconomic groups, leading to resentment and alienation, which will spell disaster for Singapore’s already fragile society.

How to gather evidence?

1. Already written and published materials that can be found online

2. Meetings/ interviews/ surveys (if possible)

3. Etc.

Case studies:

1. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/social-policy-and-society/article/abs/stigma-shame-and-the-experience-of-poverty-in-japan-and-the-united-kingdom/54989C34DCA7FC2BB745A61F67B2A8A4

• This article explores the role of stigma and shame in the experience of poverty across different capitalist societies, focusing on the UK and Japan. By analyzing empirical literature, it highlights how stigma manifests differently in varying social, personal, and institutional contexts, ultimately serving to legitimize poverty within these systems despite differing social values and welfare structures.

2. https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=lien_research#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20official%20poverty,poverty%20is%20defined%20and%20measured

• This article explores the absence of a poverty line in Singapore, and examines the different ways in which poverty can be measured in Singapore. It explores the concepts and benefits, as well as drawbacks, of an absolute poverty line or relative poverty, and non-quantitative approaches to measuring poverty in Singapore, primarily highlighted by poverty as measured through capability, social exclusion, as well as poverty assessments. This provides a framework for us to analyze what constitutes poverty in Singapore’s context, and can help us to define what the poverty line should be.

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X05000588

• This paper offers a comprehensive overview of recent urban growth trends in developing countries, emphasizing the significant challenges posed by rapid population growth and global economic transformations. With approximately half of the world's population now residing in urban areas, cities play a crucial role in the global economy, yet many struggle to provide adequate services to their residents. As urbanization continues to accelerate, especially in smaller urban settlements, there is a pressing need for international agencies to address the growing disparities in living conditions and recognize the importance of sustainable development, particularly in Africa, and we can link this to our topic as we would have to recognize the broader context of urbanization which can provide valuable insights into the complexities of poverty alleviation efforts. It also allows us to better contextualize the challenges faced by individuals teetering on the brink of poverty in Singapore and assess the effectiveness of government support strategies in addressing these issues.

Needs:

1. Advice on how to gather data

2. Sourcing for target audiences.

We aim to address the socioeconomic disparity of this government policy despite its belief in meritocracy. We wish to investigate the socio-economic implications of the current policy and explore potential adjustments to enhance housing accessibility and affordability for all income groups.

3. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/big-read-rising-property-prices-building-delays-young-couples-1338166

   • This article from Channel News Asia discusses the challenges faced by couples in Singapore due to rising property prices and building delays. The article explores various reasons behind the rising property prices, such land scarcity and increase of construction costs. It also delves into the impact of delays in building completion on homebuyers, leading to uncertainty and financial strain. Additionally, the article discusses the government's efforts to address these issues through measures such as increasing the housing supply and providing financial assistance to eligible homebuyers.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/big-read-young-couples-future-plans-inflation-3102661

• Natalie Tan, a 26-year-old public relations associate, and her 29-year-old partner, a venture capitalist, were unable to secure a HDB BTO flat early due to rising housing prices. After five failed attempts, they turned to the resale market, but the situation worsened, affecting their future plans.

4. We will research for existing data analysis to understand the impact of income ceiling policies on housing affordability and accessibility. We will also conduct surveys and interviews with married couples in Singapore to gather insights into their housing needs, challenges, and perspectives on the income ceiling policy. Comparative analysis of similar housing policies in other countries to identify best practices and potential solutions. Etc. Please advise us on how to gather data and arrange interviews.

5. It’s just the two of us so please join us. 🥹

   
   

For our capstone project we wish to use hospice caregivers as a lens to focus on mental health burdens and other issues (i.e. physical conditions-falling sick) of those in the caregiving field. In this field of work the caregiving burden entails a myriad of problems that deplete the quality of life of caregivers from depression, burnout to secondary trauma- which is especially relevant in hospice care, where the atmosphere is seemingly gloomy and depressing as are the cases they deal with on a daily basis. As a result many caregivers suffer in silence and their long work hours, combined with mediocre wages and lack of appreciation leads to more problems than one thinks. We were greatly motivated by this issue as we realized that amongst us caregivers are ubiquitous - part time, full time, domestic helpers in the houses of our neighbors and not just limited to hospice care. But yet, they are invisible. During the covid pandemic with a rise in our appreciation and gratitude for those in the healthcare industry by applauding doctors and nurses, caregivers who worked day and night and stood by the side of chronically ill individuals and were absolutely stripped of indulging in self care were invisible. Evaluating impacts of initiatives by the Singapore government and finding out more about issues from primary research allows us to perhaps think about ways in which we could positively impact their lives and thus shine a light on this underrepresented group. 

Overall topic: Investigation into whether or not caregivers deserve more support.

CASE STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY LIT REVIEW

a) Problems faced by caregivers:

• https://journals.lww.com/smj/fulltext/2022/10000/caregiver_burden_and_its_prevalence,_measurement.7.aspx#:~:text=Population%20studied%20and%20prevalence%20of%20caregiver%20burden,-Studies%20on

By looking at this issue from an Asian context, this review showed that a significant proportion of caregivers in Singapore experience caregiver burden. Caregiving experiences and outcomes are affected by cultural, behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Being a Malay caregiver appears to be a protective factor for caregiver burden, whereas having negative coping strategies and care recipients with functional, cognitive and behavioral impairments are positive risk factors. As for outcomes, caregiver burden is associated with poorer self-rated health and reduced quality of life. Caregiving burden was defined as “the extent to which caregivers perceive that caregiving has had an adverse effect on their emotional, social, financial, physical and spiritual functioning.”The burden of caregiving also has a negative impact on the well-being of care recipients, such as abandonment and institutionalization of the care recipient. It also differs based on conditions of the care recipient, socio economic conditions of the caregiver and their coping strategies with their care reciepient. 

• https://www.virtuallabschool.org/focused-topics/trauma-informed-care-in-child-care-settings/lesson-3#:~:text=Secondary%20trauma%20is%20a%20risk,to%20these%20experiences%20as%20well  

It can touch the lives of any individual working in a helping field with survivors of trauma. The negative impact of secondary traumatic stress has been explored in-depth in several service profession roles such as doctors, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, disaster relief workers, and social workers. While secondary traumatic stress can affect any person who works closely with survivors of trauma, some factors may place an individual at an increased risk of experiencing the negative effects of secondary traumatic stress.

b) Government/societal initiatives for caregivers:

• https://www.ncss.gov.sg/social-services/caregivers

• https://www.moh.gov.sg/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/caregiver-grants-subsidies

Looking at government initiatives, we can find out how caregivers are being taken care of by the government in the Singapore context. We would hence be able to eventually evaluate if such efforts are actually sufficient, as well as ponder upon what kind of policies would be necessary for the better support of caregivers in Singapore. 

• https://www.cal.org.sg/c2c

Zooming in to one of the specific social organisations in Singapore, we can discover the specific actions taken by the Singapore society to aid caregivers in their tough job. 

• Support groups → https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/support-groups-and-others/caregiver_support_groups#:~:text=Community%20support%20groups%20provide%20caregivers,same%20way%20as%20you%20do.

• Comprehensive report on all kinds of support received by caregivers as of 2019 → https://www.moh.gov.sg/caregiver-support

• Initiatives by National Council of Social Service → https://www.ncss.gov.sg/social-services/caregivers

(it might also be helpful to contrast this to problems faced by healthcare workers + support initiatives offered to them)

NEEDS

is our methodology comprehensive enough?

1. Interview: by asking actual caregivers in Singapore, we can obtain more detailed, comprehensive, and relevant information to further our research

2. Literature review: this could potentially allow us to pinpoint areas of concern and possible deficiencies in the support initiatives offered to caregivers, hence narrowing our research scope and allowing us to pin down starting points for our research

WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT LOOKING FOR ANY MORE MEMBERS

We found that single parents struggle primarily with financial security and stability, which negatively impacts both material and non-material standard of living. Our main conclusions were that [meiyu's evaluation], and that actually, the biggest positive impact comes when government and non-government support work hand in hand.

Our second product will be a slides presentation on the same topic, with a condensed summary of our findings and conclusion.

Both government support and social support is undeniably extremely important when it comes to tackling the challenges faced by low-income single parents. These organisations already work in tandem to improve the financial situation of low-income single parents.

However, we have concluded that government support is more effective in supporting single parents who do not meet the minimum income requirement in Singapore primarily due to its extremely large scale of impact.

My research is centred mainly around 3 aspects: collecting the perspectives of people living in Singapore, state justifications for its use, and theories that justify or criticise the death penalty with respect to drug trafficking. First, I will analyse the justifications given by the government for retaining the capital punishment with respect to its ethics. Next, I will find and analyse theories that support and go against this practice. Last, I will conduct a range of rigorous interviews and discussions with scholars and the citizens will be conducted to figure out their stances on these justifications and these theories. For simplification, the theoretical applications will be gauged using scenarios created by past researchers, or similar scenarios to past contentious cases. Currently, I have 2 professors contributing to the primary data of this research. I am hoping to find 30 people of various demographics to interview for this, and a few lawyers practicing in Singapore. After this, I will analyse the data we have collected, compare it to the theories found and relevant literature on it, potentially analyse specific case studies and write my concluding remarks.