A recent survey conducted by Gallup revealed that nearly 9 in 10 Singaporeans are working beyond their official hours, sparking a discussion about the emotional well-being of the city-state’s residents. The survey also highlighted Singapore’s ranking as the most emotionless society in the world, raising questions about the emotional depth of its citizens.
According to the Gallup poll, only 36 percent of Singaporeans responded affirmatively to questions about emotions such as happiness, sadness, stress, and anger. This placed Singapore at the bottom of the list, behind countries like Georgia, Lithuania, and Russia. In contrast, the Philippines emerged as the most emotional society, followed by El Salvador and Bahrain.
In response to these survey results, opinions among Singaporeans varied. Jose Raymond, executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, expressed disagreement with the poll, stating that Singaporeans are capable of expressing their emotions. He pointed to the ongoing national conversation in Singapore as evidence that people do care about their feelings and hopes for the future.
On the other hand, Luana Low, a public relations manager, suggested that Singaporeans may not lack emotions but rather prioritize other aspects of life, such as career and academic pursuits. She noted that the pursuit of excellence in these areas may lead to apathy towards societal events and changes.
Gallup partner Jon Clifton weighed in on the issue, suggesting that Singaporeans may be sacrificing emotional well-being for economic success and stability. He emphasized the importance of considering well-being in overall strategies to improve the lives of citizens, beyond just focusing on traditional economic indicators.
The discussion surrounding Singapore’s emotional depth raises important questions about the balance between work, personal fulfillment, and societal engagement. While the survey results may paint a picture of an emotionless society, it is clear that there are differing perspectives on the matter among Singaporeans.
Ultimately, the question of whether Singaporeans are lacking in emotions is a complex one that requires further exploration and understanding. As Singapore continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to consider the emotional well-being of its citizens alongside economic progress and societal development.