Singaporeans have long accepted a paternalistic government which constrains personal freedoms in order to maintain social harmony. There is an inherent lack of trust across ethnic boundaries that is generally masked by social ritual; legislation strongly prevents discrimination. There is a continual effort to balance national priorities for stability and harmony with a rising demand for increased personal liberty, developing from growing economic prosperity. While gender roles are still strongly differentiated, there is considerable pressure for change and women are well represented at all levels in the workforce.