A Comparative Analysis of Social and Cultural Proxemics Regarding Philippines and Singapore

A Comparative Analysis of Social and Cultural Proxemics:
Regarding Philippines and Singapore

Author/s:
Allayza R. Almodiente
John Francis M. Cardeno
Karen B. Dela Torre
Paola E.Eugenio
Abstract:
According to Edward T. Hall, perception of the levels of intimacy of space is culturally determined. People from
different cultures perceive space and place differently. Singapore is one of the most vibrant and livable cities in the
world. It has a high quality of life, easy regional access, low crime rates, political stability, high standards of
infrastructure and healthcare, as wel1 as a cosmopolitan lifestyle, making it a known developed country throughout
the world. Prior to an already well-developed country of Singapore comes the Philippines known as an emergent
country in todays time. Philippines produces growing outnumbered cities that entail improvement both social and
economic status for the country. This country made significant progress in fighting poverty and aiming to end
corruption. As both countries are sited in South East Asia, it shows differences both social and cultural status. These
differences will pertain to the separation off the personal space needed that leads to the housing facilities and
necessities allocated to the population of both countries.
Keywords:
proxemics, personal space, culture, Singapore, Philippines, urban setting, values, space
INTRODUCTION
The impact of studying the use of space has essentially influenced the development of intercultural
communication for introducing different aspects in investigating how people of different cultures
communicate. Diversity of cultures affects the perception of people on personal space. In 1963, Edward
T. Hall, a cross-cultural anthropologist, coined the term proxemics as the interrelated observations and
theories of mans use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture, or simply the study of human use
of space within the context of culture. Hall accentuated the effect of the use of space on interpersonal
communication and believed that the value in studying proxemics comes from its applicability in
assessing the peoples interactions with others daily, the organization of space in their houses and
buildings, and eventually the layout of their towns. (Hall, 1966)
Halls work on proxemics has divided his theory into two categories: personal space and territory.
Personal space describes the immediate space surrounding a person, while territory refers to the area
which a person may claim and defend against others. As Hall denotes that different cultures maintain
different standards of personal space, the recognition of cultural differences improves cross-cultural
understanding, and helps eliminate discomfort people may feel if the interpersonal distance is intrusive or
not. (Hall, 1966)
Cultural expectations about personal space may vary widely. This study sought to ascertain on how the
cultures of the Philippines and Singapore influenced the way their people perceive and value personal
space. This also provides background information about the physical and social setting in Singapore and
Philippines, and which aspects of these settings are likely to affect the housing demand. It is intended to
help connect the worlds of urban planning and spatial design of communities with particular attention to
social networks, household constraints, and the existing built environment.

1.1
1.1.1
Philippines
Urban Setting
Metro Manila known as the main urbanized area in the country comprises all the developed facilities to
working and living especially when it comes to residency. Almost all types of settlements are found in
Metro Manila and these highly affect the cultural living of most Filipinos. In the basis of an average
family living in the Metro, their houses are typically constructed of cement and have corrugated tin roof. 1
Depending on the situation of family or people living in a specific area varies the type of settlement they
live in. One case is the squatter community living in the urban area (Figure 1) they are described as the
illegal occupancy of land owned by other and has become a preferred solution to those with little or no
resources at all. In these congested home with one or two rooms, these crammed squatter communities
still dont have ready access to a safe and steady supply of water, toilet facilities and proper disposition of
trash.1
Figure 1 Squatter community in an

urban area
(Source: Kristine Brite, eHow)
The squatter communities found in an urban area are also described as the informal settlers or the illegal
occupancy of land and have become a preferred solution to those with little or no resources at all.
A more important aspect that influences the architecture is the financial position of the family. With less
financial possibilities, the architecture and visible construction materials are simpler and more derived
from the natural surroundings. Geographically, the more remote the region is, the more the natural
environment delivers the construction materials for the houses.
1.1.2
Values
The greater majority of the Philippine Population is bound together by common values and a common
religion. Filipino values may be attributed into many influences. These can be from its ancestors or
influenced from its colonizers. Some values can be either positive or negative. One noticeable form of
Filipino value is the Bayanihan system or spirit of kinship and camaraderie (Figure 2). It is characterized by
communal work towards one goal exemplified in carrying a Nipa house or pushing a discharged passenger
jeepney.2 Another visible trait found is the hospitality of the Filipinos. They are known to be receptive and
generous to the guests visiting their homes. One Filipino cultural psyche is pakikisama or harmony, which
involves getting along with others to maintain a harmonious relationship. Filipinos also tend to uphold close
family ties.
1 http://blog.compassion.com/living-in-the-philippines-urban-life/
2 http://www.slideshare.net/Kate_JRG/filipino-values-22162229
2

Figure 2 Bayanihan system:

People carrying a Nipa house
(Source: Google)
The Bayanihan system of the Filipinos is characterized by communal work towards one goal exemplified
in carrying a Nipa house where community members volunteer to help a family move to a new place.
The concept of the traditional Filipino home value and culture creates the absence of physical boundaries,
growing up in crowded environment; all of these obviously influenced the Filipino concept of personal
space.3 Prior to the concept of personal space, negative traits can also be seen in the typical Filipino
community. Too much adjacency of houses could create noise and disturbance to the other homes. This
could also lead to a mannerism of gossiping and create issues toward the community.
1.1.3
Space
According to writer Augusto Villalon, Filipinos are spaceless The traditional Filipino concept of space
is boundless as well. It is the conclusion of a vigorous online exchange among social scientists, architects
and heritage aficionados, which Villalon cited in an article that he wrote for The Asian Journal: The
Filipino-American Community Newspaper. Villalon explains that traditional Filipino homes have no
physical boundaries which separate the rooms. The interior of the traditional bahay kubo (nipa hut) is
multipurpose, functioning as receiving room, sleeping room, kitchen, dining room or chapel, constantly
adapting to allow whatever activity the room needs to accommodate at any particular moment during the
day Mats are laid out on the living room at night for the family and household to sleep in, Villalon
further elaborates. And in homes where there is a separate sleeping room, there is traditionally one bedroom
for the entire family.3
In The Problems of Proxemics, Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway nicely tie in the concepts together:
Another aspect of growing up in crowded environments is the unwillingness to be alone in public. In much
of Asia, people gravitate towards other people. For example, if you are alone in an elevator in the
Philippines and another person enters, he will probably stand right next to you. That person doesnt want to
speak to you; its just the local custom. (Morrison and Conaway 2004) Subconsciously, Filipinos are not
aware that any space is a shared space. Its an acquired habit that is becoming embedded in the Filipino
psyche, and without each other conscience knowingly, they encroach into other peoples personal space.
1.2
1.2.1
Singapore
Urban Setting
Singapore is known to be one of the most livable cities in the world. It has a high quality of life, easy
regional access, low crime rates, political stability, high standards of infrastructure and healthcare, as well as
a cosmopolitan lifestyle.4 Singapore is also considered as a green city with numerous well-tended parks, and
also a great interest in private gardening even if it is just a very small plot a public housing block or even a
few pots on the balcony. The cost of living in Singapore is generally low. Based on the March 2011 survey
3 https://mytruthsetsmefree.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/the-filipino-non-concept-of-space/
4 http://app.singapore.sg/society/daily-living
3

by the Economic Intelligence Unit, Singapore is ranked 10th worldwide in terms of cost of living and 3rd in
Asia, behind Tokyo and Osaka. The annual inflation rate in Singapore is also among the lowest in the world,
even if it has risen during the past few years. 4 . Singapore has the lowest purchasing power among high
income countries like Japan, United States, and Canada.
In
the
area of housing, Singapore is often cited as a successful example of

affordable housing production in Asian cities. Public housing in Singapore
managed by the Housing Development Board (HDB). Today,
more than 80 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats
(Figure 3). The government ensures that prices of HDB flats
are kept within the reach of the masses through
substantial pricing subsidies. Lower income families
are given housing grants.4 The remaining 20 percent
of the Singapore population live in private housing,
such as apartments, condominiums and landed
properties (bungalow houses or detached houses,
attached houses and townhouses), which are
considerably more expensive than public housing and
cater the higher income households.
is
Figure 3 HDB flats

(Source: SGblogs.com)
Like many other rapidly urbanizing and globalizing cities, Singapore has its urban poor and squatters.
According to official figures, about 4 per cent of Singapores resident population of 3.4 million is living at
or close to the poverty line in 1998 (compared to 16 per cent in Indonesia and 9 per cent in Vietnam) while
less than 1 percent is living in squatter settlements and on the streets. But in the 1960s, Singapore was no
different from many of the other cities: it has one of the largest and worst slum settlements in the world. 5 In
the present, there is still no definite poverty rate. According to The Straits Times, the Singapore
government is not considering having an official poverty line, as it would not fully reflect the severity and
complexity of issues faced by the poor, and may also lead to those above the line missing out on
assistance.6
1.2.2
Values
Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interactions among different races
are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The
immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences,
all of which have intermingled.7 (Figure 4)
Behind the faade of a modern city, these ethnic races are still evident. The areas for the different races still
remain although the bulk of Singaporeans do think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or
culture.6 The lack of a common unique culture to bind its citizens together had been pointed out, resulting in
an argument that a Singaporean identity had not yet developed. There is a need to identify common key
values in the hope that all communities, which make up the multiracial Singapore, would gradually develop
more distinctively Singaporean characteristics over time. 8
5 http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTURBANDEVELOPMENT/Resources/336387-1269364699096/68926301269364758309/yuen.pdf
6 http://thehearttruths.com/2013/10/25/26-of-singaporeans-live-below-poverty-line-in-singapore/
7 http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-and-language.htm
8 http://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/04/Stephanie_A-truly-Singaporean-identity-Creationversus-Evolution_011210.pdf

Figure 4 Proportion of Different

Races in Singapore
(Source:
beautifulcivilization.blogspot.com)
The pattern of Singapore stems from
the inherent cultural diversity of the
island, making it a multi-racial
country. The proportion of different
races in Singapore can be seen in the
pie chart.
The concept of the Shared Values, which consist of five statements that the government hoped would
bind the citizens together as a nation, was thus introduced. In 1988, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Mr.
Goh Chok Tong, proposed the notion of the Shared Values that incorporated key common values that all
racial groups and faiths in Singapore could pledge to and live by, attempting to preserve the various groups
of Asian identities in a period of globalization. These Five Shared Values are Nation before Community
and Society above Self, Family as the Basic Unit of Society, Community Support and Respect for the
Individual, Consensus, not Conflict, and Racial and Religious Harmony. Outside of these values,
each community can practice its own values as long as they are not in conflict with others. Cooperation
among the citizens is suggested as a way of nurturing a more distinct identity of Singapore.
Secularism radicalism, cynical liberalism and commercialization, which are pillars of globalization, have
indeed displaces the organic Singapore family through redefining their family values only to induce the
Singaporean to be cynical about family, marriage, children and old aged parents and placing more
importance on him/herself selfishly than on the collective unit hereby the Singaporean today values
marginal benefit more than family benefit. Hence, family relations have been replaced with money
relations.9
Today as a result of all of this we can observe Singaporeans being relatively more averse than ever before to
marry, give birth, live together with a spouse till death do them apart, to be filial to their spouse, live
together or look after their parents etc. A generation or two ago these trends will have been unthinkable
given the kind of values then.
1.2.3
Space
Another aspect of growing up in crowded environments is the unwillingness to be alone in public.

(Morrison and Conaway 2004) People in Asia tend to naturally blend in with other people. In Singapore, its
nothing personal: the idea of personal space is simply something different. 10 From a local perspective,
there is nothing special about the distance you should keep from the person you are speaking to, or the
amount of eye contact. Its actually known that the nation is densely packed in Singapore, and so locals
dont feel they need to make the pretense that there will be enough space for everyone. With low crime rates
(Figure 5), people in Singapore have a sense of place where they find a level of comfort and feelings of
safety.
9 http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2006/12/globalization-and-its-impact-on-singapore-family-values/
10 http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study-in-singapore/destination-guides/common-cultural-misconceptions-aboutsingapore/

Figure 5
Chart of crime rate in Singapore
(Source: todayonline.com)
The chart shows the crime rate of Singapore for the last 30 years by the Singapore Police Force. With
low crime rates, people in Singapore have a sense of place where they find a level of comfort and feelings
of safety.
1.3
Comparison
As both countries are sited in South East Asia, the differences in social and cultural status will pertain to
the separation off the personal space needed that leads to the housing facilities and necessities allocated
to the population of both countries. The Table 1 below enumerates these differences and the possible
manifestation of social and economic influences that which affect the perception of people on space.
Table 1 Difference between Philippines & Singapore
Philippines
Malay, Spanish, Japanese &
Crowded environments
Mostly horizontal
High crime rates
Higher unemployment
Common culture
High growth rate
Low quality of life
Singapore
Malay, Chinese, Indian & European Influences
Crowded environments
Mostly vertical housing
Low crime rates
Lower unemployment rate (1.9%)
No distinct culture multicultural country
High growth rate
High quality of life
American Influences
housing
rate (6%)11
1.3.1 Cost of Living Comparison

Singapore maintains a standard income of around $8,411.41S (275,470.77) in their daily living along side
with 98,000.00 that of Manila, assuming living in both cities. This calculation uses our Consumer Prices
Including Rent Index.
11 http://www.tradingeconomics.com/philippines/unemployment-rate
6

Indices differences
Philippines
Consumer Prices in Philippines are 55.85% lower than in Singapore
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Philippines are 71.85% lower than in Singapore
Rent Prices in Philippines are 90.53% lower than in Singapore
Restaurant Prices in Philippines are 59.83% lower than in Singapore
Groceries Prices in Philippines are 45.44% lower than in Singapore
Local Purchasing Power in Philippines is 55.32% lower than in Singapore
Singapore
Consumer Prices in Singapore are 104.18% higher than in Manila
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Singapore are 181.09% higher than in Manila
Rent Prices in Singapore are 376.89% higher than in Manila
Restaurant Prices in Singapore are 119.10% higher than in Manila
Groceries Prices in Singapore are 80.90% higher than in Manila
Local Purchasing Power in Singapore is 92.41% higher than in Manila
Cost of Living comparison in Philippine Currency

Manila
Singapore
Difference
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
Cappuccino (regular)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
150.00
760.00
130.00
40.00
90.00
112.24
25.55
17.62
327.50
1,637.48
229.25
262.00
327.50
178.67
52.51
37.84
+118.33 %
+115.46 %
+76.34 %
+554.99 %
+263.89 %
+59.18 %
+105.49 %
+114.70 %
Markets
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
Rice (white), (1kg)
Eggs (12)
Local Cheese (1kg)
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)
Apples (1kg)
Oranges (1kg)
Tomato (1kg)
Potato (1kg)
Lettuce (1 head)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro)
74.71
49.60
41.04
70.35
276.17
165.57
118.43
115.10
57.53
67.74
61.84
38.98
250.00
37.12
88.99
57.00
109.57
71.84
140.82
93.75
656.86
322.32
131.54
113.48
97.92
59.89
71.66
57.62
1,146.24
209.90
195.01
422.47
+46.65 %
+44.84 %
+243.16 %
+33.25 %
+137.85 %
+94.67 %
+11.08 %
-1.41 %
+70.20 %
-11.60 %
+15.88 %
+47.80 %
+358.50 %
+465.47 %
+119.14 %
+641.18 %
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
12.00
500.00
40.00
12.92
120.00
54.04
3,602.46
111.35
24.56
622.24
+350.31 %
+620.49 %
+178.37 %
+90.11 %
+418.54 %

Gasoline (1 liter)
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New
Car)
46.44
71.13
+53.15 %
880,000.00
4,584,953.19
+421.02 %
4,799.66
6,669.44
+38.96 %
7.18
5.99
-16.56 %
2,675.27
1,203.55
-55.01 %
Sports And Leisure

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
2,493.75
364.29
200.00
4,604.22
518.54
393.00
+84.63 %
+42.34 %
+96.50 %
Clothing And Shoes

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
1 Pair of Nike Shoes
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes
2,180.86
1,837.50
4,914.29
3,042.53
3,431.58
2,043.58
3,969.26
4,746.25
+57.35 %
+11.22 %
-19.23 %
+56.00 %
Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
19,969.43
9,624.31
57,142.86
24,142.86
119,834.30
76,094.81
212,950.80
121,031.37
+500.09 %
+690.65 %
+272.66 %
+401.31 %
Buy Apartment Price

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
75,020.99
28,375.21
808,400.73
433,148.04
+977.57 %
+1,426.50 %
Salaries And Financing

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax)
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly
24,728.74
7.94
133,744.04
2.33
+440.84 %
-70.70 %
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2
Apartment
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or
Plans)
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
February,
2015
217
18 months
Last update
Contributors:
Data from past:
Currency: PHP
February, 2015
319
18 months
CONCLUSION
Cultural outlooks about personal space may vary widely. These cultural differences between the
Philippines and Singapore influenced the way their residents perceive personal space. In Singapore,
people value their personal space, as important as their families or groups and as an individual, even
though the residents are used to crowded environments. With such little personal space, maintaining
social harmony or good relationships among others became necessary. Singapore has the lowest
purchasing power among high income countries like Japan, United States, and Canada. So, personal
space is simply not a manifestation of purchasing power since the country has a low cost of living.
8

In the Philippines, people are contented on sharing common house spaces with their families or friends
since two of the Filipino cultural psyche are the close familial ties and pakikisama or harmony. In most
Western cultures, guests are allowed to move around only within the confines of the living room. In Filipino
culture, guests may roam anywhere inside or outside the house, even in the bedrooms. Filipino space
consists of main multi-functional space necessarily relation with a lot of extension spaces around it.
Filipinos value personal space too; however they have other priorities like struggling for having a career
and earn money enough to sustain their families and provide a better housing space. Most Filipinos get
used of the crowded environment and are content with existing in smaller homes due to low quality of
life. An average citizen would find it very difficult to live comfortably in the Philippines because of all
the taxes and corruption in the government. Thus, the social and economic standing of the Philippines
also influence the way Filipinos value space.
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Brite, Kristine. eHow. Definition of an Informal Settlement. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://www.ehow.com/facts_6776791_definition-informal-settlement.html
Estioko, Edwin. December 2010. Urban Life in the Philippines. Blog on Child Poverty. Retrieved from
http://blog.compassion.com/living-in-the-philippines-urban-life/
Hall, Edward T. 1966. The Hidden Dimension.
9

Magpoc, Kate S. May 2013. Filipino Values. Slideshare. Retrieved from

http://www.slideshare.net/Kate_JRG/filipino-values-22162229
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Ngerng, Roy. October 2013. 26% of Singaporeans Live Below Poverty Line in Singapore. The Heart
Truths. Retrieved from http://thehearttruths.com/2013/10/25/26-of-singaporeans-live-belowpoverty-line-in-singapore/
Niguidula, Nadine Marie V. December 2012. The Filipino Non-Concept of Space. Aligning With Truth.
Retrieved from https://mytruthsetsmefree.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/the-filipino-non-concept-ofspace/
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10

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