LOW INCOME FAMILIES : TOWARDS A WHOLISTIC VIEW

Abstract

This study, through descriptive means, examines the lives of the low income families who are in need of financial assistance. Singapore, with its strong economic arm and firm financial base has built a nation with a people who are ever striving towards excellency. The steadily growing population claims to be of majority of middle class where progressiveness, development, and maintaining a competitive edge is embraced as unofficial state ideology. She further prides herself in which more than 90% of the population are rich in assets through home ownership. Yet in this affluent nation, the problem of poverty is still a real one. This study looks into the ability of intact families of low income cope with their lack of finance and are in immediate risk of monetary problems harness whatever resources that is available to support themselves as well as their family. Taking a structural perspective of poverty alongside the application of ecological framework, the researcher examined three families who are beneficiaries in some ways of a local Family Service Centre. The findings show that aid provided by social service agencies play a vital role in building a firmer foundation for these families. In addition, the availability of assets in the form of CPF contribution is also important in many ways to assist the low income families cope with the demands of living.