A revival for Singapore's fertility rates? Changing perceptions towards the value of children

Why would women in a post-modern society like Singapore continue to desire for children in the face of numerous constraints in their living environment (e.g. overpopulation, high living expenses)? This paper analyses the attitudes of women towards value of children using qualitative interviews with 14 graduates that comprise of an equal number of Chinese and Malays. The findings conclude that women in Singapore want children more for psychological and emotional needs and less for economic needs; hence this confirms with the previous studies (Hoffman and Hoffman 1973; Zelizer 1985). This paper also departs from the Value of Children study conducted in Singapore in the 1970s. The interview data suggests that there are racial differences towards childbearing and related matters. The Malay respondents indicate an earlier age of marriage than the Chinese, and they also have a preference for larger families. Finally, the role of the extended family in childrearing is stronger in the Malay culture than in the Chinese culture.Bachelor of Art