A new study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) reveals an increasing significance of religion in the lives of Singaporeans, with over three-quarters of respondents affirming that their beliefs substantially influence their personal and professional decisions.
Survey Highlights
- Over 4,000 individuals were surveyed from April to August 2023.
- 73.9% indicated their spiritual beliefs provide meaning to life’s joys and sorrows.
- 68.3% rely on their faith for guidance on life choices.
- About 61.1% consider religion important to their sense of identity, rising from 56.8% in 2018.
Changing Perceptions
The findings from the survey titled Religious Identity and Practice Among Singaporeans, authored by Mathew Mathews, Teo Kay Key, Izzul Haziq Murad, and Melvin Tay, highlight a notable increase in the importance of religion in individual lives between 2018 and 2024.
Demographics of Religious Importance
Muslims reported the highest emphasis on religion as a core aspect of their identity, with nearly six in ten deeming it very important. Comparatively, 38.4% of Christians, 32.9% of Catholics, and 32.8% of Hindus echoed similar sentiments.
- Older, less affluent, and lower-educated respondents were more inclined to view religion as a vital identity marker.
- 25% of participants felt that religious traditions should be preserved in their pure form, reflecting a slight increase from 2018.
Online Religious Practices
The pandemic has led to a surge in the consumption of online religious media, prompting concerns about its alignment with local practices. Researchers cautioned that exposure to foreign religious content could lead to misalignment with local customs and potentially reinforce radical views.
Implications for Policy and Community
The IPS study suggests that as religious identity becomes more pronounced, there may be an increased push for these beliefs to be integrated into policymaking. Singapore’s approach to maintaining religious harmony will be tested as communities seek more recognition and space for their practices.
Examples include recent changes allowing Muslim female nurses to wear their tudung at work. As these discussions grow, the importance of local religious leaders and organisations in promoting social cohesion becomes paramount.
Conclusion
The evolving role of religion in Singaporean identity speaks to a larger narrative of community, belonging, and the balance between faith and secularism. As this landscape changes, ongoing dialogue among all religious groups will be essential to ensure harmony and understanding in the nation’s diverse society.