The Perpetual UNEASE felt by Singaporeans with Money explained [Chills 267 ft Teo You Yenn]

The Perpetual UNEASE felt by Singaporeans with Money explained [Chills 267 ft Teo You Yenn]

From The Financial Coconut Podcast by The Financial Coconut

May 20, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the pervasive financial unease among Singaporeans, featuring sociologist Teo You Yenn who explores systemic issues of inequality and its impact on mental health.

Why is it that in one of the wealthiest nations on earth, we still feel like we’re never quite 'safe'? Sit down with a true legend in the Singapore literary and academic scene. Eight years ago, she changed the national conversation with her bestseller This Is What Inequality Looks Like. Now, she’s back with a new project that might be even more uncomfortable…because this time, it’s about you. Introducing our guest: Teo You Yenn A sociologist, Associate Professor at NTU, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Inequality. You Yenn has a unique gift for taking heavy academic research and turning it into stories that resonate with every Singaporean, from the low-income to the high-flying professional. In this episode, we explore: Why her old book shot back to the top of the charts the moment her new one was announced. Beyond Poverty: Why her latest research shifted from studying "them" (the low-income) to studying "us" (the middle and upper class). The Concept of "Unease": We’ve all felt that nagging anxiety about our finances and our future, even when the numbers say we’re "fine." You Yenn explains the systemic reason why this feeling is collective, not just personal…

People in this episode

Guest: Teo You Yenn

Topics covered

  • financial anxiety
  • social inequality
  • Singaporean economy
  • academic research
  • mental health
  • wealth distribution

Keywords

  • financial safety
  • inequality
  • sociology
  • Singapore
  • wealth
  • anxiety
  • middle class
  • upper class

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NTU

Books & works: This Is What Inequality Looks Like

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