The story of kiasu : expressions of identity and status via conspicuous consumption : an ethnographic study of Singaporean young women in a newly adopted culture

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation into experiences of kiasu as observed by Australian-Singaporean young women. I am primarily concerned with comparing the observations made by first generation and second generation subjects in situ, as well as in Singapore. For the purpose of this study, I interviewed five first-generation and five second-generation Australian-Singaporean women, aged between 20-36 years. Through their life stories, I analyse how their perspective upbringing, cultural memory and current environment has influenced the praxis of kiasu, and in turn how this affects their social relations. The experiences and praxis of kiasu is presented through the Veblenian and Bourdieun concepts of economic, cultural and social capital. Through this research, I argue that kiasu crosses both generations and geographical boundaries. The findings from this research reveal that subjects believe education and residential addresses to be the two primary kiasu facets observed in Singapore and Australia. Finally, I argue that kiasu functions as an emotive and affective state, as well as a competitive arena, or a habitus in itself.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	English