Changes in the fertility policy of Singapore

Abstract

Discusses the major changes introduced in Singapore's fertility policy in 1984 and 1987. The first were introduced to encourage better-educated women to have more children, and therefore stressed the "qualitative' aspect of the future population. The 1987 changes, although not rescinding the stress on the relationship between educational attainment and desired number of children, were generally designed to encourage a higher overall birth rate. Mothers were encouraged to have three children instead of two. The tax, educational, housing and childcare incentives and disincentives are discussed, as well as the demographic rationale for the changes in policy. The influence of Chinese zodiac signs on birth rates in any given year is also outlined. -M.Amos