As compared to most parts of the world, public housing in Singapore is not ostracised by a wide majority of the population and its government, and acts as a necessary and vital measure to provide immaculate and safe housing surrounded by public amenities at affordable prices, especially during its rapid development and industrialisation in the early years of independence. It is also meant to foster social cohesion between social classes and races of Singapore, and prevent neglected areas or districts and ethnic enclaves from developing. As such, it is considered a unique part of Singaporean culture and identity, being commonly associated with the country.