What women and men want: A study of fertility decision-making in Singapore

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that impact on fertility decision-making in Singapore for married individuals and the variations in these factors that exist along the lines of gender, ethnicity and educational attainment. Using the analytical concept of family ideology to analyse qualitative interview data from 40 married individuals, the results indicate that overall, Singapore does not have a conducive environment for childbearing in that there are stronger barriers than facilitators towards childbearing. Social networks, in particular kinship and friendship networks, have a pivotal impact on fertility decision-making through the processes of social learning and social learning. There are also marked differences in these barriers along the lines of gender, ethnicity and educational attainment and these include adjustments to onea??s lifestyle, leisure time, interruptions to onea??s career, being financially and emotionally prepared for parenthood and appropriate alternative childcare providers.