The family has always been important to Singaporeans as a foundation for love, support and meaning in life. With 2022 designated as the Year of Celebrating SG Families, RySense conducted a study to understand how the concept of the Singaporean family and attitudes towards family support are changing with times. We surveyed 1,063 respondents* from our online panel, HappyDot.sg, to find out their thoughts on household living preferences and expectations on caregiving of young and old family members. Here are the highlights from our findings:
Family the first line of support for most Singaporeans
For many Singaporeans, families are likely still their first line of care and support. Most agree that they can get the emotional (Figure 1, 68%) and financial support (Figure 1, 65%) they need from their immediate family.
Most would look after elderly parents but not expect their children to do so for themselves
Singaporeans have a strong filial obligation to care for their elderly parents. More than 3 in 4 (Figure 4, 77%) would play an active role in taking care of their elderly parents.
While Singaporeans would take care of their elderly parents, about 6 in 10 (Figure 2, 56%) do not expect their children to do the same for them. This is particularly so for those in the 40-49 age group (Figure 2, 70 %).
Looking after children –differing expectations as parents vs willingness as grandparents
In Singapore, the family is also an important caregiving resource for those with young children. 4 in 10 (Figure 3, 43%) expect caregiving support from the child’s grandparents. However, only 3 in 10 (Figure 4, 32%) are inclined to play an active role in taking care of their grandchildren. This gap in expectations for caregiving could mean a rethink on the part of parents, possibly relying less on their own parents and looking at other options to take care of their children as the traditional role of grandparents evolves .
Moving ahead with family as foundation
These are just some of the key findings from our research indicating that while the structure of the Singapore family and expectations of familial responsibilities are changing, family ties continue to remain strong. For more insights on the Singaporean family, drop us an email at [email protected].
Dating and getting married are still important to young Singaporeans
Close to 2 in 3 think that dating and getting married are moderately/very important milestones (Figure 1). Among those who are not married, 62% want to get married. Even among singles who are not looking to date, about 3 in 10 hope to get married if possible (Figure 2).
It is heartening to know that dating and marriage remain meaningful life goals for young people. So what’s stopping our young people from meeting their social aspirations?
Dating challenges
1 in 2 find the dating scene more difficult compared to 10 years ago (Figure 3). Change in societal expectations, increased difficulty in meeting people, and that dating has become more casual are the top 3 challenges (Figure 4).
To navigate this challenging dating landscape, what can be done to help young Singaporeans find their happily ever after?
Understanding what one seeks in a partner
To start, it helps to understand what qualities young Singaporeans seek in a partner. The top 3 on the list are compatible personality, similar values and emotional intelligence (Figure 5a). Career and salary ranked lower on the list.
Equally important in this love equation is what young Singaporeans would not tolerate – disrespectful behaviour, financial irresponsibility and poor personal hygiene are among the top 3 dealbreakers (Figure 5b).
Through understanding their own expectations, young Singaporeans can align themselves with partners who genuinely reflect what matters most to them.
Seeking guidance from the social network
Dating is often seen as a private matter between two parties, but their social circles matter as well. While half indicated that no one has an influence on their choice of partner, the other half pointed to their social network as having an influence. Parents (28%) have a greater influence than friends (15%) among females, whereas both parents (19%) and friends (19%) have equal influence on males’ choice of partner (Figure 6). Given the meaningful role that the social network can play, parents and friends can share their own relationship experiences with young Singaporeans, offering support through relationship challenges.
Methods of meeting a partner
Organic meetings are the most preferred method of meeting a partner, with 79% open to meeting a potential partner through school, work or at a place of worship, and 72% open to introductions by a friend/family member (Figure 7).
In this digital age, online platforms have become increasingly common and a practical way to meet potential partners, with 65% open to using them (Figure 7). However, safety is a concern – about 16% think online platforms are moderately/extremely safe. Females are less likely to think so (Figure 8).
Towards finding meaningful relationships
While dating appears more complex and challenging today, the desire for connection is still significant among young Singaporeans. The insights from our research highlight the importance of understanding what young people seek in a partner, the influence of their social networks, and the role of both traditional and online platforms in meeting potential partners. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the support of their social circles, young Singaporeans can better navigate the complexities of modern dating and work towards finding their happily ever after.
