29-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) A recent survey conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has revealed that seven in ten young Singaporeans feel that it is not necessary to marry. However, despite this belief, a majority of them still aspire to get married and have children. The survey aimed to understand the attitudes and perspectives of Singaporeans towards various issues, including family, well-being, work, and more.
The survey, which was shared at the Singapore Perspectives conference on January 29, highlighted practical concerns as the main factors holding back young people from pursuing marriage and starting a family. These concerns include the desire to advance their careers, establish financial stability, and the high cost and stress associated with raising children.
Loneliness was reported to be higher among the younger demographic, and the cost of living emerged as the top social issue that Singaporeans are most concerned about.
The survey involved 2,356 Singapore residents, representing different age groups: 21 to 34, 35 to 49, and 50 to 64. Among the youngest group, 70 percent believed that getting married was not necessary, while 58 percent of the middle group and 50 percent of the oldest group shared the same sentiment. Similarly, 72 percent of the youngest group felt that having children in a marriage was unnecessary, compared to 63 percent in the middle group and 49 percent in the oldest group.
Despite these findings, 68 percent of the youngest respondents expressed their intention to get married, and 67 percent hoped to have children in the future.
The survey also revealed that across all age groups, the top two reasons for not dating or getting married were not having met the right person yet and a preference for remaining single. Younger respondents cited other priorities such as their careers, self-discovery, and lack of time and energy as reasons for not dating. The high cost of marriage was also a deterrent for the younger demographic.
Interestingly, the survey indicated a gender disparity, with women aged 21 to 49 being more inclined than men to believe that marriage is not necessary. Women in the 21 to 34 age group also expressed a higher likelihood of agreeing that having children is not necessary.
Dr. Chew Han Ei, a senior research fellow at IPS, noted that young people nowadays have specific criteria they want to fulfill before considering marriage and parenthood. These criteria include achieving career goals, acquiring a home, leading a comfortable lifestyle, and having the ability to travel frequently.
The survey further highlighted the concerns of different age groups when it comes to costs. Younger respondents worried about housing expenses, the middle group focused on the cost of their children’s education, and the oldest group expressed concerns about the cost of necessities like food and healthcare.
In terms of mental health, younger respondents reported higher levels of social isolation. They preferred online communication and felt anxious about face-to-face interactions. On the other hand, only three in ten respondents aged 50 to 64 shared the same sentiment.
Concerning work, younger respondents expressed worries about their career prospects, including desired salary, position, benefits, and working conditions. Given the opportunity, 55 percent of young respondents would consider relocating overseas for work, compared to 45 percent of the middle group and 33 percent of the oldest group.
The survey also revealed that younger respondents felt more prepared for technological disruptions in the workplace, with 53 percent expressing readiness for the adoption of technologies like generative artificial intelligence, Web3, and blockchain. This percentage decreased in the middle and oldest groups.
The survey findings also reflected the higher level of civic engagement among younger respondents, both online and offline. They expressed a greater sense of empowerment to effect change.
Dr. Kalpana Vignehsa, a senior research fellow at IPS, highlighted that young people are becoming less tied to the traditional notions of marriage and parenthood, which allows them to focus on personal fulfillment and identity without feeling restricted.
