RESPECT REDEFINED - FOCUS GROUP INSIGHTS FROM SINGAPORE

This article re-examines the meaning of the concept of respect within the context of a fast modernizing Asian multicultural society--Singapo re. Two key findings emerge. First, the meaning of respect both from t he 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 elder s has in general decreased. The focus group methodology was used in th is 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 int erpersonal relationships. The findings throw light on the subjective v iews of intergenerationaI relations within the family as well as the c ommunity. As such, they would be valuable to counselors, social worker s, and family therapists.