Harmony as Ideology, Culture, and Control: Alternative Dispute Resolution in Singapore

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-2007

Abstract

The original impetus for promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Singapore in the mid-1980s was to support the needs of commerce and trade. Within a decade, the ADR regime has crystallised into a state-endorsed movement. ADR is seen as being in accord with Singapore’s cultural values and assisting in nation-building through the promotion of harmony, cohesion and stability in a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual society. The extensive efforts at promoting an ideology of harmony, preferring civility over conten­tiousness, and prioritising responsibilities over rights, translate into the public narrative of consensus and settlement as desirable and necessary. Conversely, conflicts and contention are seen as social phenomenon against the common good, to be avoided at all costs.

Discipline

Asian Studies | Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Publication

Australian Journal of Asian Law

Volume

9

Issue

1

First Page

120

Last Page

151

ISSN

1443-0738

Publisher

University of Melbourne Law School

Additional URL

http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/ajal/journal-contents/browse-the-journal/journal-details?Articles.ID=136

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