Married Without Kids: A Growing Trend in Singapore

Married Without Kids: A Growing Trend in Singapore

Singapore, March 2, 2025 – A growing number of married couples in Singapore are choosing to remain childless, reflecting shifting societal norms and personal priorities. According to recent statistics from the Department of Statistics, 15% of resident ever-married women aged 40 to 49 had no children in 2024, double the 7.1% recorded in 2004.  

This trend comes amid government efforts to encourage larger families, including the newly introduced Large Families Scheme, which provides up to $16,000 in additional support for each third and subsequent child born on or after February 18, 2025. Despite these incentives, many couples are opting for a child-free lifestyle due to personal preferences, financial concerns, and the challenges of modern parenting.  

Reasons for Remaining Childless  

For Ms. Tan, a 49-year-old professional, the decision not to have children was rooted in her desire for freedom and personal fulfillment. “Having a child is a huge responsibility, and I don’t want to be responsible for another life and how they turn out,” she said. Ms. Tan and her husband enjoy traveling and pursuing their interests, which they feel would be restricted by parenthood.  

Similarly, Mr. Chin, a 41-year-old general manager, and his wife chose not to have children due to the uncertainties and pressures of parenting. “The unknown is too much for me to take the step of having kids. Will the child turn out all right? Will I be an all right parent?” he said.  

Societal Acceptance and Changing Norms  

Those interviewed noted that they faced little to no pressure from family or society to have children. Ms. Tan attributed this to a stronger emphasis on personal fulfillment in modern times. “We are in an era where personal fulfillment is a lot stronger than in the past. The sense of self is also greater than sacrificing for someone else’s definition of the greater good,” she said.  

Professor Jean Yeung, director of social sciences at the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential, highlighted the decoupling of marriage from parenthood as a significant societal shift. “Marriage is increasingly seen as a partnership focused on companionship and mutual support, rather than a means to continue the family line,” she said.  

Impact on Fertility Rates  

Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) remained at 0.97 in 2024, one of the lowest in the world. The anticipated “Dragon Year effect,” which historically boosted birth rates, did not materialize in 2024, reflecting changing attitudes among young couples.  

IPS senior research fellow Kalpana Vignehsa warned that the rising number of childless couples could further dampen the TFR, necessitating greater reliance on immigration or artificial intelligence to address workforce shortages.  

Challenges for Couples Seeking Parenthood  

While some couples choose to remain child-free, others face challenges in their quest to become parents. Mr. Tan, 36, and his wife have undergone three unsuccessful cycles of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) at private hospitals, spending about $35,000 in the process. “It’s emotionally taxing, and the financial burden is heavy,” he said.  

The couple plans to try IVF at a public hospital, where subsidies are available, but Mr. Tan hopes the government will extend subsidies to private hospitals to support more couples in their fertility journeys.  

A New Definition of Family  

As societal norms evolve, the traditional expectation of marriage leading to parenthood is being redefined. For many couples, marriage is about companionship, shared goals, and personal growth, rather than raising children. This shift underscores the need for policies and societal attitudes that respect diverse family structures and life choices.  

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