The Singapore baby drought has become a pressing concern, with recent data showing the total fertility rate (TFR) dropping below 1 in 2023. This historical low raises questions about the underlying causes, one of which is the rising number of singles in the country. Let’s explore how this trend impacts Singapore’s population growth and what can be done about it.
The Rise of Singlehood
Marriage: A Declining Priority
A significant factor behind the Singapore baby drought is the increasing number of individuals choosing to remain single. Today, many Singaporeans do not view marriage as a necessary milestone. Instead, they focus on personal goals and career achievements. For example, in 2005, 52.1% of women aged 25-29 were married, but by 2023, this figure dropped to 29.2%. This change reflects a societal shift where marriage is no longer a priority for many young adults.
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Acceptance of Singlehood
Societal acceptance of singlehood has grown, contributing to fewer marriages and thus fewer births. “People no longer feel pressured to marry if they don’t meet the right person,” explains Dr. Mathew Mathews from the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). In the past, remaining single was often seen negatively. Today, single individuals are less likely to face social stigma or pity, making singlehood a more acceptable choice for many.
Women’s Reluctance to Marry
Concerns Over Domestic Roles
Women are increasingly wary of the demands of marriage, particularly the expectation to juggle both career and household duties. “I worry about handling both a job and home responsibilities, just like my mother did,” says a young Singaporean professional. Many women fear that marriage will place an unfair burden on them, influencing their decision to stay single and avoid parenthood.
Desire for Equal Partnerships
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Modern women seek equal partnerships where domestic responsibilities are shared. They are skeptical about men’s readiness to take on their fair share of household duties. This expectation for equality affects their decisions about marriage. If they believe their partners won’t contribute equally at home, they may prefer to remain single, contributing to the ongoing Singapore baby drought.
Government Efforts to Boost Birth Rates
Financial and Parental Support
To combat the Singapore baby drought, Singapore has introduced several measures:
- Baby Bonus Scheme: Provides financial incentives for each newborn.
- Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support working parents.
- IVF Co-funding: Government co-funding for in-vitro fertilisation treatments for older women.
These measures aim to make having children more appealing and manageable. However, they have not fully addressed the root causes of the declining birth rate.
Work-Family Balance
Despite these efforts, many believe more needs to be done. “Incentives alone aren’t enough; we need to make work and family life more compatible,” argues Professor Jean Yeung of NUS. Policies should focus on reducing the conflict between professional and family responsibilities. Flexible work arrangements and better support for working parents could help address this challenge effectively.
Tackling Deeper Issues
Redefining Gender Norms
Addressing the Singapore baby drought requires a shift in gender norms. Promoting equal participation in domestic duties is crucial. Mandating additional paternity leave could encourage fathers to be more involved at home. “Policies should enforce equal caregiving,” says Professor Yeung. Without these changes, women may continue to face unequal domestic burdens, deterring them from having children.
Supporting Modern Parenthood
Policies must adapt to modern parenting needs to effectively address the baby drought. Parents today deal with high living costs and intense educational demands. Addressing these pressures can make parenting more appealing. Better childcare services and educational support can alleviate some of the burdens, making it easier for families to thrive.
Future Outlook and Potential Solutions
Encouraging Marriage and Family Life
Many young Singaporeans still aspire to marry and have children. To turn these aspirations into reality, Singapore needs to create a supportive environment for families. Policies that promote work-life balance and equal partnerships in domestic responsibilities are key. “We must make it easier for parents to combine work and family life,” advises Dr. Tan Poh Lin of IPS. Practical support and cultural changes are necessary to make parenthood more feasible and attractive.
Cultivating a Family-Friendly Culture
Creating a family-friendly culture goes beyond policies. It involves changing societal expectations and supporting both parents in sharing the responsibilities of raising children. Encouraging community support and providing practical resources can help build a more inclusive environment for families.
Takeaway
The Singapore baby drought is driven by the rising share of singles and changing societal attitudes towards marriage and parenthood. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms, cultural shifts, and support for modern parenting. By fostering a balanced and supportive environment, Singapore can aim to reverse the declining birth rates and secure a sustainable future for its population.
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