Financial Strain and Work-Life Balance Among Key Barriers to Larger Families
Despite a strong desire to marry and have children, many Singaporean couples are having fewer children than they would prefer, according to the 2021 Marriage and Parenthood Survey conducted by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD). The survey reveals a significant gap between family aspirations and the reality of raising children in Singapore, with 92% of married couples expressing a preference for having two or more children. However, only 51% of them have fewer than two children, with financial costs being the leading reason for not expanding their families.
A substantial 64% of respondents cited the high financial cost of raising children as one of their main concerns. Other factors contributing to the decision include the stress of parenting in Singapore, the difficulty of managing both work and family demands, and insufficient caregiving options. Some couples also mentioned challenges with conception.
The survey also found that while 80% of young singles aged 21 to 35 intend to marry, a slight decline from previous years, three-quarters of them consider balancing a career with raising a family equally important. Around 77% of singles in the survey expressed a desire to have children, though some are hesitant due to concerns over the high costs and time constraints associated with child-rearing.
Flexible work arrangements were identified as a key factor that could make it easier for couples to start a family and have more children, with 90% of married respondents agreeing that flexible work would ease the challenges of family life.
Additionally, the survey highlighted a shift in perceived gender roles, with almost all respondents (99%) agreeing that both fathers and mothers should share equal responsibility for child-rearing. However, the data revealed that married women continue to spend more time on domestic duties and child care, with women averaging six hours of childcare on weekdays and 10 hours on weekends, compared to men, who averaged 3.6 hours on weekdays and 7.7 hours on weekends. This imbalance contributed to a lower satisfaction with domestic labour among women (59%) compared to men (72%).
In terms of dating behaviour, the survey found that half of single respondents were not dating, and 38% of them had never dated before. Limited social circles and a lack of opportunities to meet potential partners were the primary reasons cited. However, there was an increasing openness to online dating, with 29% of those dating having met their partner through online channels, a significant rise from 13% in 2016.
The findings of this survey will inform future government initiatives aimed at strengthening support for marriage and parenthood in Singapore.
