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Family, Marriage and the Threat of declining birth rate in Singapore
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Family, Marriage and the Threat of declining birth rate in Singapore I. Introduction The economy of Singapore is increasing rapidly yet it is also facing the threat of declining birth rate which causes the aging population. This fact is cited in two articles of Wendy Tan and Grace Chua from The Strait Times Interactive Website which are attached in this report. It can be argued that Singapore is not alone among developed nations in having a declining birth rate, however, the aging population, for a small population like Singapore, can be quite serious. It has also been noted that family and marriage are not only the private matters left to individual but also have impacts on our nation and society. Therefore, it is very important for the entire community to find out the problems and solutions for them as well. This can be support and strengthen the formation of families to raise birth rate of Singapore. As can be seen from these two articles, some reasons were shown such as rising infertility rate, liberal view towards marriage commitment, child-bearing, pragmatic government etc. This paper, hence, aims to evaluate these causes individually based on the theories of Kou & Wong (1979), Salaff (1997) and Straughan (1999) as well as give some recommendations, add some reasons that have not included in the articles and argument in other side of this matter. II. Extent of the problem In recent year, we have seen a gradual shift in long-held attitudes towards relationships, marriage and family. More Singaporeans are remaining single, delaying marriage and having fewer children. More Singaporeans place priorities on careers and other material life goals. All of these factors lead to the decreased birth rate in Singapore. Hence, we look at three main problems: The family values, the work and family environment and the role of government. These problems can be the reasons for the outcomes stated above. 1. Family values Values are ideas or beliefs that individuals acquire overtime. What we deem to be important in life is shaped very much by these values. Values guide the decision that we make: our relationship, our work and life as a whole as well as the responsibilities that come with them. Just as families are the basic building of blocks of society, values are the foundations that underpin the family. Singapore is now experiencing tremendous changes in society in the past few decades, especially in family values. Globalization and technological change have created new views for Singaporeans. The Internet has further promoted exchanges among people, fusing cultures and experiences. Our spheres of influence are no longer confined to only we read, see or hear in our own society. In another words, it have expanded beyond our immediate environment. As Kou & Wong stated, with a rising standard of living and education, the social relations are more modern (or “Western” in the context of Asian societies) traits characteristic of industrial societies: 1.1. The change in the roles of women: The ChannelNewAsia provide that the female labor participation rate in Singapore is very high. This fact was explained by Straughan, Kou & Wong and Salaff.
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