Singapore, a nation known for its efficiency and pragmatism, also boasts a strong vein of altruism. From the ubiquitous “uncle” or “auntie” offering unsolicited advice on public transport to the robust network of grassroots volunteers, helping others seem ingrained in the social fabric. Is this generosity sincere or does self-interest lurk beneath the surface?
Altruism is defined as the act of helping others without regard for one’s self. However, altruism may mask what truly motivates a person. This raises the question of whether humans are capable of genuine altruism or whether all humans engaging in altruism are driven ultimately by self-interest. This in itself is a look into human nature at a fundamental level. This question is particularly significant within the sociocultural framework of Singapore which offers unique insights into the intersection between empathy and egoism.
Those who believe that altruism can be truly sincere suggest that helping out of the goodness of their hearts with no expectation of reward or personal gain is what drives acts of kindness and generosity. This perspective proposes that humans are driven by compassion and will instinctively take action if they witness another person’s suffering in order to alleviate the person’s distress because they feel for the suffering person. This emotional response compels people to act not for any reward whatsoever.
Daniel Batson’s empathy-altruism hypothesis supports this view, positing that empathetic individuals are inclined to engage in helping behaviours even when these actions entail significant personal cost1. In Singapore, this can be seen in community-driven initiatives and grassroots movements that thrive on collective goodwill.
Singapore’s grassroots system offers a unique lens through which we can examine altruism. The network is a hallmark of Singapore’s approach to governance and community building. Established in the 1960s, the system consists of numerous grassroots organisations (GROs), such as Citizens’ Consultative Committees (CCCs), Residents’ Committees (RCs), and Neighbourhood Committees (NCs). These organisations are tasked with fostering community spirit, addressing local issues, and providing assistance to residents2.
Singapore’s grassroots system helps to nurture altruism by connecting citizens with their communities and encouraging social responsibility. Volunteers actively participate in RCs that organise events, address local concerns, and promote social cohesion. This system fosters a sense of belonging and cultivates a culture of giving back. At the heart of this system are volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to serving their communities. These individuals organise events, provide support to the needy and facilitate communication between residents and government agencies. This widespread volunteerism reflects a robust sense of empathy and community spirit, suggesting that individuals are motivated by a sincere concern for the welfare of others3. On the surface, their actions appear to be the epitome of altruism.
On the flip side, critics argue that altruistic acts are performed out of self-interest. This argument aligns with the theory of psychological egoism, which asserts that all human actions are ultimately motivated by personal benefit4. Many volunteers report a sense of fulfilment and joy from their activities, which aligns with the concept of “helper’s high,” a psychological state of euphoria experienced after performing a kind act5. When volunteers witness the impact of their actions on the recipient of their altruism, they experience an intrinsic reward, a psychological benefit that then reinforces altruistic behaviour. On top of the intrinsic reward, volunteers are perceived to have an improved social standing.
Acts of kindness can be perceived as investments that build social capital, creating a network of obligations and favours that can be called upon in times of need. These investments can provide access to opportunities, resources and support. While the initial act may appear selfless, the potential for future benefits adds a layer of strategic calculation to altruism.
Social recognition is a powerful motivator. In a close-knit society like Singapore, being seen as a helpful and engaged member of the community can enhance one’s social standing. Volunteers often receive public acknowledgment and awards, which can boost their self-esteem and social capital. With today’s social media age, this social recognition can become accelerated in a short span of time, further increasing a volunteer’s social capital. This opens doors for potential job prospects, being asked to sit on a board or even invitations to speak at certain platforms.
The motivations behind altruism in Singapore likely exist on a spectrum. At one end lies pure selflessness, driven by empathy and a genuine desire to help others in need. This intrinsic motivation is usually fuelled by moral principles and a sense of social responsibility. Some examples would be:
- A volunteer working with migrant workers might be deeply moved by their plight and will feel compelled to offer assistance based solely on a desire to alleviate their suffering.
- A volunteer working with terminally ill patients only to offer comfort and support.
- A teacher going above and beyond to help a struggling student succeed, motivated by a genuine passion for education and a belief in the student’s potential.
On the other end of the spectrum lies the strategic giver, whose primary motivation is to achieve personal gain from helping others. This does not necessarily imply that the giver has malicious intent. Instead, one acknowledges that individuals often make practical decisions on how to allocate their resources, including their time and energy. Some examples would be:
- Someone mentoring a young professional might hope to gain recognition as a leader within their industry, while simultaneously helping the mentee develop their skills.
- A wealthy person establishing a scholarship in their own name for tax benefits and social recognition.
- A business owner donating to a local charity with the expectation of positive media coverage that could benefit their business.
In these cases, both self-interest and the drive to help others co-exist on the same scale. Strategic givers are often motivated by reciprocity in which they expect something in return for helping others. This can come in tangible forms such as being granted access to certain resources or intangible, such as enhancing one’s social standing, as mentioned above. Volunteering can also be perceived as a strategy to advance one’s career as it can allow for one to demonstrate leadership skills, build connections or even beef up one’s resume.
Most real-world scenarios probably fall somewhere in between. While strategic altruism might seem less “pure” than genuine selflessness, it can still have a positive impact on society. Individuals are more often than not driven by a number of motives, not just one. A person might help a neighbour because they genuinely care about their well-being and also because they value having a good relationship with their neighbour. Understanding the altruism spectrum allows us to appreciate the complexity of human motivation and the different factors that influence altruism.
Singapore’s religious diversity also plays a substantial role in shaping its unique brand of altruism. Buddhism, with its emphasis on compassion and helping those in need, motivates acts of charity and volunteerism. Many Buddhist temples in Singapore operate soup kitchens and offer social services to the underprivileged. Similarly, Christianity’s focus on love for one’s neighbour and social justice inspires acts of service and advocacy. Christian organisations in Singapore run rehabilitation programmes and educational initiatives for the underprivileged.
The Hindu concept of seva (selfless service) encourages acts of charity and volunteering. Many Hindu temples in Singapore organise blood donation drives and provide free meals to the needy. Islamic principles of zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) motivate Muslims to contribute to social welfare programmes. Mosques and Muslim organisations in Singapore often manage food banks and offer financial assistance to low-income families.
Nonetheless, community expectations and social norms can pressure individuals to participate in volunteer activities. In some cases, there may be an implicit understanding that community involvement is a civic duty. This sense of obligation may be the motivation for one to perform altruistic acts, blending the desire to help others with the desire to conform to societal expectations.
The Singaporean government provides strong support for grassroots initiatives, recognising their importance in maintaining social harmony and addressing local issues. This institutional backing not only facilitates volunteer activities but also creates an environment where altruism is encouraged and rewarded. This effectively creates a cycle within the network of grassroots volunteers.
Altruism, whether driven by selfless motives or intertwined with self-interest, plays a vital role in the fabric of Singaporean society. The grassroots system exemplifies how structured volunteerism can foster community spirit and mutual support, benefiting both the givers and receivers.
The debate over whether altruism is actually selfless or intrinsically selfish highlights the complexities of human motivations. While some people may act with true empathy and compassion, others may be motivated by intrinsic incentives or societal benefits. Altruism is a complicated phenomenon shaped by a combination of empathy, self-interest, and social dynamics.
Understanding the factors behind altruism in Singapore improves our understanding of human nature and how Singaporeans choose to give back to society. By understanding the different variables that motivate people to help others, we may create environments and policies that encourage and sustain altruistic behaviour, resulting in a more compassionate and cooperative society.
Ultimately, whether altruism in Singapore is an expression of pure selflessness or a nuanced form of self-interest, its impact on individuals as well as the community remains exceptionally positive. Accepting the duality of altruism gives a greater understanding of human behaviour and the ability for kindness to be manifested in any number of ways.
1 Batson, C. (1991). The Altruism Question: Toward a Social-Psychological Answer. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
2Chan, H. (2002). Civil Society in Singapore: Popular Initiatives and Government Policies. London: Routledge
3Ng, K. (2020). Community Response to COVID-19 in Singapore: Volunteering and Mutual Aid. Singapore Medical Journal, 61(9), 481-483.
4Krebs, D. L. (1975). Empathy and Altruism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(6), 1134-1146.
5Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66-77.
Farahyn Banu is currently a Manager of Community Engagement at AMP Singapore. She holds a master’s degree in communications and media studies from Monash University. Beyond her day-to-day work, Farahyn also runs an Instagram community for women going through infertility.
