Methodist Education and the Social Status of the Straits Chinese in Colonial Singapore (1886‐1914)

Abstract

The Halévy thesis is a useful theory in accounting for the appeal of Methodism and its schools to members of social classes subordinated by a dominating power structure. The thesis has been used to explain why the middle class leaders of the working class in early nineteenth century Britain did not propagate a radical political platform to challenge the prevailing social order. Enthused with evangelical fervour, they chose to focus on their own personal salvation, and taking from Methodism the Protestant work ethic, they were preoccupied with their own social mobility. The experience of the elite of the Chinese community in Singapore parallels that of the English middle class. They were strongly attracted to Methodism because it gave them a sense of spiritual and social empowerment which they felt they lacked under British rule. Methodism encouraged the Straits Chinese to focus on how they could advance themselves within the colonial order of Singapore society.