Rayden Tan 15S07A (16)

INTRO
In Singapore, women on average earn 88cents of a dollar earned by men. This highlights the blatant
disparity in the unequal treatment because of gender. Conversely, detractors may see this as the
remarkable progress made by Singapore and in one step closer to achieving equality. Then again,
equality for all does not only comprise of gender but rather income, race and job opportunities just to
name a few. Undoubtedly, everyone in society yearns for equality-to be on par with their fellow citizens.
However, how feasible is it to achieve equality for all when the government, the society and
globalization plays a key role in perpetrating inequality. Ultimately, the goal of achieving equality for all
may not necessarily be one that is realistic and desirable. In the Singaporean society, equality for all can
be a possibility, but is not likely in the near future. Meritocracy may make equality for all a reality
eventually. However, at present equality for all remains far from being a reality in Singapore due to the
existing gender and age discrimination. (Intro)
Sexism is evident in the workplace and the female workforces are at a disadvantage. (Point) The gender
equality taught in education does not automatically translate into gender equality at work. In fact,
women still face persistent obstacles in the workplace because this domain has largely remained male-
dominated. Males are traditionally thought to be the sole breadwinner of their family, while females are
thought to stay at home and watch over the matters of the household. Young women who are just
entering the workforce have a lower chance of getting employment as compared to men. This is
because they may require maternal leave if they get pregnant and will be seen as a liability to the
company.
Even if females get jobs, they are often low-paying and low-skilled ones. Moreover, career advancement
opportunities are rare for women since they are thought to be unable to fulfill their job
responsibilities due to their family commitments, which men are traditionally not subjected to. This
inequality is evident in the persistent wage gap between the male and female workers in Singapore.
Generally, it is observed that it is a consistent trend for males to earn higher wages compared to
females. Hence, gender discrimination results in unequal remuneration between the male and female
workforce.
Ageism is another kind of inequality prevalent in the Singaporean society. Age discrimination especially
towards the elderly is often based upon the stereotypes which regards the elderly as useless. The
elderly persons can only take up unskilled jobs. Many employers are often quick to turn away older job
applicants as they judge them based on their physical indication of their age. We often hear of elderly
workers being rejected from job when employers come to know about their age.
Such discrimination leads to poverty and helplessness among the elderly population. Instead of
enabling our older workers to acquire new jobs with satisfactory remuneration, they are forced to work
on low wages. This leads to lower self-esteem in the aged people. The 2010 census shows that the
supposed prime age of unemployment is over 65 years. However, this may be due to the stability in
jobs as these jobs are usually not meant for career advancements. Nevertheless, ageism puts elderly in a
pathetic situation as they are treated and paid unfairly.
However, the meritocracy system is in effect in Singapore which can help reduce the inequality based
upon age and gender. The fundamentals of meritocracy is that people should be rewarded based on
what they do, not who they are. The system of meritocracy ensures that the best and brightest,
regardless of race, religion and socio-economic background get the opportunities they deserve.
Everyone has access to education, which equips them with skills and knowledge to earn a better living.
This means that everyone gets equal opportunities to do well and is rewarded according to their merits.
For example, all Singaporean students in government and government-aided schools, junior
colleges/centralized institute, independent schools or institutions, specialized schools, etcetera who
are not recipients of any Edusave Scholarship are eligible to apply for the Edusave Merit Bursary if
they are within the top 25% of each level and stream in their schools and meet the testing criteria of
not exceeding $5,000 monthly gross household income.
In conclusion, equality for all is far from reality at present. Age and gender discrimination, more or less,
exists in Singapore. However, the government can begin salvaging the current situation through
education. Schools are where many young people shape their way of thinking and build up their
perceptions about people and other things. Therefore, the government can work hand in hand with the
ministry of education to incorporate awareness about such discrimination in the curriculum itself, and
make equality for all a reality before it becomes too late.