Why birth rates are falling across Southeast Asia, not just Singapore

Why are there fewer babies?

An OECD report has shown there are a number of reasons for the declining birth rate in the region, and the first one will not be a surprise to Singaporeans, which is higher living costs. Over the past few decades, housing, childcare, education, and healthcare costs have risen in many cities throughout Asia, causing couples to delay having children or choose to have smaller families.

Asians have also been marrying later than before, with more people choosing not to marry at all. As births in many Asian countries still occur primarily within marriage, fewer marriages result in fewer births.

Another reason has been better opportunities for education and careers for women, and while women have greeted this positively, those who chose careers have had to give up motherhood. And, in a related sense, some women have opted out of having children since childcare and household duties in many countries in Asia, including Singapore, still regularly fall to their lot.

Additionally, more Asians choosing to live in cities is also a reason for lower births. Urbanisation is a contributor to falling birth rates as cities have less room to raise children.

Lastly, in the region, as well as in others across the globe, people’s priorities have shifted from having families to education, careers, travel, and financial security, among others.

The primary problem with falling birth rates is not necessarily replacing a population, but that it is occurring at the same time as societies are living longer. Singapore, for example, is held up as a rapidly ageing society. With the proportion of elderly people growing, this puts a strain on pensions, healthcare systems, and labour markets. /TISG

Read also: Ex-independent candidate Jeremy Tan says Singapore’s fertility crisis is a housing crisis