Perceptions of Remarriage by Widowed People in Singapore

Abstract

A study of attitudes to remarriage in later life among different ethnic groups in Singapore provides a counterpoint to studies in the West & illustrates the importance of cultural attitudes & religious beliefs. A survey of elderly Chinese, Malay, & Indian widows & widowers shows them overwhelmingly negative or indifferent to ideas of remarriage, although there are some variations by ethnic group & gender. There is a strong tradition in Asia of incorporating the widowed parent into a multigenerational family household, & views of adult children towards remarriage, presumed to be hostile to the remarriage of a parent, are given considerable salience. It is not generally thought appropriate for elderly people to have or express sexual needs & a marriage partnership may not be seen as ended by the death of a partner.