Managing Prolonged Low Fertility: The Case of Singapore
Asher, Mukul G.; Nandy, Amarendu | August 2008
Abstract
This paper analyzes Singapore’s multi-pronged approach to managing prolonged low fertility which has led to population aging, labor force shortages, increasing elderly dependency ratios, and feminization of the elderly population. This approach has emphasized high growth, and has given priority to becoming an attractive business location over providing adequate and equitable retirement and health financing; and has pursued policies designed to generate high levels of net immigration. The chosen policy priorities have created a dilemma centering on ensuring Singapore’s business competitiveness on the one hand, and meeting its residents’ needs and expectations on the other. In spite of many measures to boost fertility levels (official Total Fertility Rate was 1.29 in 2007, a rate at which population is reduced by 50% in 45 years), as well as high net immigration, population aging is expected to accelerate after 2010. This, along with high income inequalities (Gini coefficient was 0.52 in 2005), will make continuation of current policy priorities even more challenging for the policymakers. While future policy developments are difficult to predict, greater political contestability is likely to hasten the path toward policy priorities which give greater weight to the needs and expectations of the current Singapore residents, even if that leads to lower (but more sustainable and socially cohesive) growth.
Citation
Asher, Mukul G.; Nandy, Amarendu. 2008. Managing Prolonged Low Fertility: The Case of Singapore. © Asian Development Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/11540/3702. License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.Keywords
Gender
Gender Bias
Gender Differences
Gender Discrimination
Gender Equality
Gender Gaps
Gender Inequality
Gender Issues
Gender Relations
Gender Roles
Women's Health Services
Women's Health
Urban Health Services
Rural Health Services
Maternal Health Service
Health Service Delivery
Health Care Access
Education, Health and Social Protection
Comparative Analysis
Social Research
Sex Discrimination
Employment Discrimination
Women's Rights
Equal Opportunity
Equal Pay
Feminism
Men's Role
Women's Role
Prenatal Care
Health Care Services
Basic Health
Gender-based analysis
Sex differences
Job bias
Equal employment opportunity
Fair employment practice
Job discrimination
Affirmative action programs
Sex dicrimination against women
Pay equity
Sexism
Equal rights amendment
Emancipation of women
Equal rights
Women's movements
Health services for women
Medical and health care industry
Prevention of disease
Delivery of medical care
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Citable URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11540/3702Metadata
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