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Reasons Why Singapore Has Low Birth Rates
There’s something truly fulfilling about nurturing a family and watching it grow.
However, in today’s world, the idea of a big household isn’t always as straightforward as it once was.
In fact, there are reports that birth rates are on a downward trajectory, and Singapore is one of the countries where this trend is particularly pronounced.
But what factors are contributing to the country’s low birth rate?
If you’re as curious as I am, you might want to stick around for a while, and let’s explore the answer together.
What birth rates are considered low?
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a total fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman ensures a broadly stable population.
On the other hand, rates ranging from 2.0 to 1.46 and below are considered low birth rates.
Singapore is one of the countries with the lowest birth rates, with a rate of 1.17, according to the 2023 fertility rates report by Statista.
A country’s fertility rate offers valuable insights into its economic status, as well as the overall health and educational attainment of its populace.
When did Singapore’s birth rate drop?

In 2022, Singapore’s birth rate hit a record low of 1.12.
Although it slightly increased in 2023, rising from 1.12 to 1.17, the country still ranks among the top 20 nations with the lowest birth rates.
Just a trip down memory lane: in the 1960s and 1970s, the country was experiencing a baby boom, with the birth rate soaring to around 4 to 5 children per woman.
But as the years rolled by, this figure steadily declined.
While there are underlying reasons for this, the cost of economic downturn stands out as the most significant root cause.
Reasons Singapore Has a Low Birth Rate

One major reason behind Singapore’s low birth rate is the high cost of living.
The Lion City isn’t exactly known for being a budget-friendly destination. The cost of housing alone can send shivers down your spine.
Sky-high property prices and unreasonably high rental rates will make you question if having a child is even financially feasible.
And it’s not just housing. Everyday essentials like food, healthcare, and education also come at a premium in this country.
It’s no wonder that many couples in Singapore think twice before diving headfirst into parenthood.
Rising Women Empowerment

Here’s a shift in societal dynamics that’s worth noting: women empowerment.
Gone are the days when women’s roles were confined to homemaking and child-rearing.
Today, every woman in the world is breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and carving out careers of their own.
While this is undoubtedly a remarkable stride towards gender equality, it also means that women prioritize their professional pursuits over starting a family at a young age.
Limited Access to Affordable Childcare

Childcare costs in Singapore can be sky-high. From daycare centers to the cost of diapers, baby formula, and education expenses, the cost can add up faster than you can anticipate.
As a parent, since you have to work to earn as much money as possible, you’ll have to consider hiring a nanny or sending your child to a daycare.
However, nanny rates and tuition fees climb higher each year. Opting for a qualified staff to care for your baby doesn’t come cheap.
Work-Life Balance Challenges

Long working hours are the norm in Singapore, with many employees clocking in overtime just to stay ahead of the curve.
For that reason, quality time with loved ones takes a backseat as work obligations consume our days and nights.
Add the pressure cooker of parenthood into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for stress.
Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of raising a child can feel like a high-wire act without a safety net.
Shrinking Labor Force

A bustling economy needs a steady stream of workers to keep the Singapore industries running. But with fewer babies being born, fewer young adults are entering the workforce down the line.
With limited workers available, businesses may struggle to find the talent they need to grow and innovate.
Since there are more retirees than active younger workers, enterprises may opt to find a workforce outside the country.
With more job opportunities available to foreigners, Singaporeans might feel less pressure to start families early.
After all, if they can focus on their careers without worrying about job competition, why rush into parenthood?
Changing Social Norms and Values

Nowadays, there’s a new player in town – the DINKs, which stands for Double Income, No Kids.
These are couples who have made a conscious decision to focus on their careers and personal pursuits rather than starting a family right away.
With both partners working and bringing home a decent income, they enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the added responsibilities of raising children.
Housing Constraints

The prospect of shelling out a fortune for a cramped apartment or facing long wait times for affordable housing options can dampen anyone’s family planning aspirations.
For married couples, the prospect of raising children in a small, overcrowded apartment may not be all that appealing. They may hold off on having kids until they can afford a more spacious and comfortable living environment.
Also, the thought of shouldering hefty mortgage debts while juggling the expenses of raising a child is enough to make anyone think twice about starting a family.
Are lower birth rates a good thing?

A lower birth rate contributes to economic stability in the short term. With fewer children to support, the government can allocate resources more efficiently to healthcare and infrastructure development.
However, as the workforce shrinks, Singapore may face challenges in maintaining economic growth.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to a lower birth rate in Singapore.
The key lies in finding a balance, like encouraging family formation, while also implementing policies to support sustainable population growth.
Singapore’s low birth rate is a multifaceted issue influenced by myriad socio-economic factors.
There may be a need for proactive measures to address underlying issues such as the high cost of living, work-life balance challenges, and changing societal norms.
By fostering an environment that supports families and empowers individuals to make informed choices, the country can navigate through this demographic dilemma.