Paper short abstract:

Contrary to claims from cosmopolitan migrants that they are part of a global middle class, this paper argues that nationality, for many, remains a key segregator between a “middle-class” us and the “working class” them - migrants.

Paper long abstract:

Contrary to claims from cosmopolitan migrants that they are part of a global middle class, this paper argues that nationality, for many, remains a key segregator between a "middle-class" us and the "working class" them - migrants. Newly-arrived Chinese migrants in Singapore are of diverse social class backgrounds, ranging from highly-skilled expatriates to unskilled blue-collar workers. Expatriates regularly claim to be of the middle-class, just like their Singaporean counterparts. My research, however, showed many locals are of opposing views. Instead of embracing the migrants as part of a global middle class, many locals perceive Chinese migrants as embodying the "developing" status of their country, China. In this manner, Chinese migrants, despite their backgrounds, are seen as backward, uncouth and generally of a lower social class than locals. Through expressing disgust on Chinese migrants' sexuality, taste and hygiene, locals claim a moral high ground. Such discourses enable locals to perform and (re)produce their middle-classness while legitimating their rights as citizens. As a result, Chinese migrants are marginalized and framed as unworthy of citizenship rights.