Singlehood in contemporary Singapore.

Abstract

Contemporary theorizing about family life suggests an increasing ‘individualization’ of social life, whereby diverse forms of family are beginning to emerge. Among which is the increasing rate of divorce, singlehood and alternative family arrangements, which raises concerns over the displacement of social ties with an abundance of atomized individuals. Central to this rising concern is the weakening of family ties and declining significance of marriage as choice and agency begins to dictate one’s social life. Singles are particularly placed at the forefront of these theoretical claims. By exploring individuals’ experience of singlehood in relation to the family and the state as well as their perspective on marriage, I wish to assess the theoretical claims of this ‘individualization’ in the context of Singapore.