Government Policies and Modern Love: How Singaporean Women Navigate Intimate Relationships

Singlehood in the Metropolis: The Role of State Influences on Intimate Relationships Among Young, Educated Singaporean Women

Abstract:

This exploratory study examines how government policies impact young, single, well-educated women's romantic lives in Singapore through various channels including housing policy, matchmaking initiatives, and social norms. Based on ethnographic data collected between August and December 2012 N = 28, it investigates the interplay between governmental expectations for marriage and childbearing and the personal experiences of these singles. By utilizing Foucault's concept of governmentality and Budgeon's notion of couple culture, this study explores how state interventions influence individuals' intimate relationships. While the government effectively shapes behavior in certn aspects, the research also highlights instances where individual actions diverge from governmental expectations.

Keywords: Singaporean women; singlehood; love lives; state influence; romantic relationships

was edited by Yingchun Ji.

Introduction:

As Singapore faces challenges of low fertility rates and an aging population, the government encourages singles to marry and have children. This study explores how this policy influences young, well-educated women's intimate relationships within the context of the city-state. We draw upon Foucault's concept of governmentality and Budgeon's idea of couple culture to examine the extent to which governmental policies penetrate and guide individual romantic choices.

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Qualitative research methods were employed through ethnographic data collection and interviews with 28 participants between August and December 2012. The study focuses on understanding how women perceive and navigate societal pressures from institutions, fris, family members, as well as their own expectations to form relationships within the current state of Singapore's demographic challenges.

Mn Findings:

Our analysis reveals that government policies significantly influence young, educated singles' decisions around marriage and childbearing through various mechanisms:

1. Housing Policy: Government-imposed policies often create incentives for marriage, such as offering housing benefits only to married couples or offering subsidies specifically for first-time homebuyers who marry before a certn age.

2. Matchmaking Initiatives: The state organizes matchmaking events and platforms which m to facilitate relationships among singles under the premise of promoting stability and population growth, often exerting significant pressure on young adults to participate and meet their romantic obligations.

3. Social Norms: There is a strong societal expectation that individuals should marry, despite varying personal desires or circumstances. This norm contributes to feelings of social isolation or being left out among singles who do not adhere to traditional marriage timelines.

Discussion:

The government's influence on the intimate lives of young, well-educated Singaporean women is complex and multifaceted. While policies are designed with the intent of addressing demographic concerns, they also interact with personal agency in ways that can both align with and diverge from governmental goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing more nuanced policies that respect individual choice while addressing broader societal needs.

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This study highlights the intricate relationship between government policies and individual intimate decisions among young women in Singapore. By examining how state interventions shape perceptions of love and marriage, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and demographic challenges faced by contemporary urban societies facing population decline pressures.

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