SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan cited the preconceived notion among some members of the public that returning trays could deprive elderly cleaners of their jobs. This makes people feel good about not returning their trays and gives them a compelling reason not to do so, she explained. Prof Straughan said the enforcement of fines is “a step back” towards creating a more gracious society in Singapore. “It just says it’s a conformist society where you are afraid of breaking the law,” she added.