Respect Redefined: Focus Group Insights from Singapore

Abstract

This article re-examines the meaning of the concept of respect within the context of a fast modernizing Asian multicultural society-Singapore. Two key findings emerge. First, the meaning of respect both from the perspective of the aged and the middle-aged generation has shifted from obedience to courteous behavior. Second, in the majority of focus groups members concurred that the degree of respect accorded to elders has in general decreased. The focus group methodology was used in this research. Bearing in mind the limited sample size (88 participants) these findings alert us to the need for social scientists to monitor perceptual shifts in meaning of concepts critical in the sphere of interpersonal relationships. The findings throw light on the subjective views of intergenerational relations within the family as well as the community. As such, they would be valuable to counselors, social workers, and family therapists.

Respect for the Elderly in Asia: Stability and Change

“…A third study by Mehta (1997), which is most relevant to our own research, used qualitative methods to examine respect for the elderly in Singapore. Her research was based on data from focus group interviews with the elderly and adult children, in which participants compared current and past respect for the elderly.…”

Older Adults in Prime-Time Television Dramas in Taiwan: Prevalence, Portrayal, and Communication Interaction

“…First, older females were not significantly underrepresented in comparison with their male counterparts (by both measures of counts and screen time), whereas a consistent finding reported by U.S. investigators is that older females were seriously underrepresented on television in comparison with older males (Aronoff, 1974;Gerbner et al, 1980;Harwood & Anderson, 2002;Vernon et al, 1990). These findings are somewhat surprising and unexpected, given the commonly held cultural norms that older women in Chinese society occupy a lower status than older men (Mehta, 1997). One possible explanation is that the visibility on television may be a combined effect of the materialistic nature of a society and the program and target audience characteristics.…”

“…For instance, Vernon et al (1990) reported that older characters were more likely to be associated with favorable stereotype traits than unfavorable ones, hence suggesting a more positive picture about age stereotypical images on prime-time television. Saengtienchai, 1999;Mehta, 1997). For example, Mehta (1997) examined young people's attitudes toward elder respect and concluded that elder respect is shifting from obedience and subservience to courtesy and kindness.…”

“…Saengtienchai, 1999;Mehta, 1997). For example, Mehta (1997) examined young people's attitudes toward elder respect and concluded that elder respect is shifting from obedience and subservience to courtesy and kindness. Consistent with Mehta (1997), Ingersoll-Dayton and Saengtienchai (1999) suggested that "while traditional expressions of respect for the elderly are changing, the value of respect remains stable" (p. 128).…”

“…For example, Mehta (1997) examined young people's attitudes toward elder respect and concluded that elder respect is shifting from obedience and subservience to courtesy and kindness. Consistent with Mehta (1997), Ingersoll-Dayton and Saengtienchai (1999) suggested that "while traditional expressions of respect for the elderly are changing, the value of respect remains stable" (p. 128). If the Taiwanese society does indeed have positive views toward older adults and respect for older people, then it is reasonable to propose that these positive and traditional cultural values will be translated into and reflected in the popular media such as primetime television.…”