Mdm Seah
Women through the Years: Economic & Family Lives,
Accession Number 001704
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 4
Total Reels
- Lai Ah Eng (Dr)
Interviewer
- 01:33:01
Total Running Time
- Hokkien
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 4
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:29:36
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- For background information only
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
China-born, came to Singapore at age 12. Worked in leather shoe factory from 14 till marriage at 21 to grocer. Wages and gender division of labour in factory. Had six children, full-time mothering and helped in husband's grocery. Also did sewing. Was given to uncle's family by father, bad treatment by stepmother. Wanted but not allowed education for girls. Liked movies - through them wanted education. Self-taught sewing. Salary/ work conditions in factory, earnings given to stepmother. Lived with husband first in Orchard Rd, then Ghim Moh. Childcare when children were young. Helped husband in grocery shop. No activities, no relatives.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 4
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:30:46
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- For background information only
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Breastfeeding and illness. Learnt childcare from older neighbours, e.g. about sickness, foods. Discipline of children. Gender socialisation; children regarded equally; daughters did housework; sons played outdoors. Death of husband; older children stopped schooling. Husband's role in discipline and children's play. Saved money secretly in case husband strayed. Response to husband's wanting a second wife. During Japanese Occupation, sought refuge in Paya Lebar. Experiences and responses to Japanese soldiers; Orchard Road relatively safe.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 4
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:29:15
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- For background information only
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Conflict with husband over children's discipline and education - English vs Chinese education. Social activity; chatting with neighbours. Resettlement to Ghim Moh. Helped married daughter with children. Gender equality then and now. Returned to China once. Wish for children's security; wish for quick death. If young again had to have education. Coping with multiple roles. Opinions of women and education, marriage/romance. Old age - living with two children, cooks. Stayed indoors; phones friends. Glad for filial children; worried for unmarried ones. Recalled most difficult periods - arrival in Singapore, odd jobs, when husband set up grocery.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 4
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:03:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- For background information only
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Childcare most difficult when children young and active; during adolescence. Difference between raising boys and girls.
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