ABSTRACT

This book depicts the evolution of Singapore’s family and population landscape in the last half a century, the related public policies, and future challenges. Since the country gained independence in 1965, family and population policies have been integral to her nation-building strategies. The chapters discuss the changes in population compositions, family structures, relations, and values among major ethnic groups. They also discuss policies for vulnerable populations such as female-headed households, cross-cultural families, same-sex partnering, the elderly, and low-income families.

chapter 3|21 pages

Dual-income households among Singapore Malay families

Changing economy, unchanging gender roles

chapter 4|22 pages

‘Indians’ under official multiracialism in Singapore

Unpacking heterogeneity

chapter 5|16 pages

Falling short

Class and the performance of the familial

chapter 7|19 pages

Singapore’s approach to ageing policies

Tackling the limits of the family in supporting seniors

chapter 8|13 pages

Divorced and never-married mothers in Singapore

Practices, challenges and hopes

chapter 9|17 pages

Cross-cultural families in Singapore

Transnational marriages and divorces

chapter 11|8 pages

Conclusion