FAMILY POLICY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SINGAPORE

Abstract

Family policies have always been m existence. Regardless of time frame, almost all policies have some implicit family implications. However, explicit recognition of the importance of family issues differs with time. While early explicit family policies focussed on issues like poverty, rapid population growth and discrimination against females, more recent explicit family policies are directed in response towards another set of adverse trends like declining fertility rate, equality of opportunity, aging population, disintegration of family values and the increasing emergence of single parent households. The purpose of this exercise is not to elaborate on an exhaustive list of family policies. This exercise explores recent family policy emphasis by surveying a large sample of developed countries. Against the backdrop of family policies practised in this sample of countries, the case of Singapore is addressed and evaluated. In particular, it looks at the objectives underlying these policies. Inevitably, policy tools are examined to decipher these underlying objectives. Furthermore, policies are evaluated under a framework accounting for political, economic and cultural practices specific to each country context. Findings vary according to specific ideologies shaped by the abovementioned socio-economic and political economy framework. Japan is steeped in tradition. However, her policies are directed towards the needs of her ailing finances brought on by her aging population and declining fertility rate. Hence, her policy objectives are implicit. United States's family policies are long-standing with focus on equality and freedom of choice. Though similarly implicit, these policies are directed at alleviating inequality amongst families through general welfare programmes. The European and the Scandinavian countries' policies point in the direction of child development. The case of United Kingdom is highlighted for her non-interventionist approach towards families for the period under study in this exercise. This is deciphered through her relatively (in contrast to other European countries) meagre policy incentives offered as child support and her belief of equality as being a hindrance to economic growth. Using the above countries as a broad framework, Singapore's family policy objectives are evaluated. Her family policies evolved gradually in accordance to economic circumstances. Singapore deviates from the above case studies by instituting implicit family policies with the twin objectives of economic growth and social stability. In particular, in recent years, she unveils a pro-family package which focuses upon issues of family values and family responsibilities. This package is seen to empower families directed at the continued prosperity of the country.