Singapore's Falling Fertility: Exploring the Influence of the Work-Family Interface

Keywords

Fertility rates, Family size, Child care, Women, Family planning, School age children, Fertility, Ideal numbers, Desire, Workplaces

Abstract

Since the 1950s, Singapore has experienced a precipitous fertility decline. While studies have addressed this decline, none has explored the influence of the work-family interface. Using a nationally representative sample of 706 Singaporeans, we explored work and family variables associated with actual and desired family size. Results showed Singaporeans tend not to achieve their ideal family size; financial constraint is the most common reason for not having more children. While education and income are positively related to childless individuals' desires for children, those with more children generally report lower education and income. Workplace flexibility was the top concern among Singaporeans, although it was not significantly related to family size or childbearing intentions. Potential explanations and directions for research are discussed

Original Publication Citation

Call, L. L., Sheffield, R., Trail, E., Yoshida, K., & Hill, E. J. (2008). Singapore’s falling fertility: Exploring the influence of the work-family interface. International Journal of Sociology and the Family, 34(1), 91-113.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2008

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5135

Publisher

Journal of Sociology of the Family

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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