In Singaporean culture, the concept of "stepping down" on others, often manifesting as criticism or competition, can be seen as a reflection of several societal factors:
- Meritocracy: Singapore is built on a strong foundation of meritocracy, where success is often tied to academic achievements, career success, and wealth. This creates a highly competitive environment, and "stepping down" on others can be a way to assert one's own standing or superiority in this competitive hierarchy.
- Social Pressure: The pressure to conform to societal norms and achieve certain benchmarks (like getting good grades, landing prestigious jobs, or attaining material wealth) can lead to individuals feeling the need to assert dominance or criticize those who don't meet these standards.
- Cultural Norms: In Asian cultures, including Singaporean society, there's often a focus on saving face and maintaining a good reputation. Criticizing or belittling others might be a way for some to elevate their own status by comparison, especially in a collectivist society where public perception holds significant weight.
- Relational Aggression: In tightly knit societies, subtle social dynamics like gossip, exclusion, and indirect forms of criticism can be common. "Stepping down" on someone may be a form of relational aggression used to navigate these social hierarchies without overt confrontation.
- Survival Mentality: Singapore's rapid development from a small, resource-scarce island nation to a global economic powerhouse has ingrained a survival mentality in its people. This can sometimes translate into a zero-sum mindset, where stepping on others might be seen as a way to stay ahead.
