The creation of a national identity has been a central feature of political life in Singapore. A broad strategy of multiculturalism together with the creation of 'Asian values' has served the purpose of building a new national identity.

Michael Hill is Professor of Sociology at Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand.,
Lian Kwen Fee is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the National University of Singapore.

Introduction; Chapter 1 The state, citizenship and nationality in Singapore; Chapter 2 The ethnic origins of Singapore; Chapter 3 Education and bilingualism; Chapter 4 Multiracialism and the structuring of ethnic relations; Chapter 5 Housing policy in the nation building process; Chapter 6 Between the family and the state; Chapter 7 Parapolitical and intermediary structures; Chapter 8 From the ideology of pragmatism to shared values; Chapter 9 Civil society: the current project; Chapter 10 Conclusion;