Do We Want Another 'Kampung'?: Using Q-Methodology to Interpret the Diverse Perspectives Around the Narrative of 'Kampung' or 'Village' for Singaporeans

Anupama Nallari (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

Public housing in Singapore, which houses 83% of its residents, is largely applauded to be a success. In recent years, changing demographics such as an aging population and increasing diversity and ensuing social complexities have pushed government agencies to rethink housing taking into consideration the changing social and physical needs of residents. One narrative being explored by the government in recent years to encourage social cohesion and interaction is that of the ‘Kampung’ or ‘village’- a hearkening back to days when Singaporeans lived in less than ideal physical circumstances but helped each other irrespective of social boundaries. However, what kampung means to different residents has been largely a matter of speculation. The primary objective of this research is to understand the meanings and perceptions the term ’kampung’ holds for Singaporeans, and to gauge whether it provides a useful narrative for framing dialogues around social interaction and community building in the context of public housing in Singapore.

A mixed methods approach employing q-methodology was used to interview 40 demographically diverse residents of Singapore. Interviews comprised both a qualitative and q-method component. Q-methodology allows for the comparison and analysis of inter-subjective views using a by-person factor analysis technique. Using this technique, we identify a shared, common viewpoint on the ‘kampung’, but also several differing and diverging perceptions of the concept. These perspectives are triangulated with qualitative interview data to help understand how and whether they can be leveraged to engage citizens around issues relating to racial harmony, social interaction, trust, social resilience and community building.