Population Policy and Reproduction in Singapore - 9781138785205

Taylor & Francis

This book examines the relationship between population policies and individual reproductive decisions in low-fertility contexts. Using the case study of Singapore, it demonstrates that the effectiveness of population policy is a function of competing notions of citizenship, and the gap between seemingly neutral policy incentives and the perceived and experienced disparate effects. \nDrawing on a substantial number of personal interviews and focus groups, the book analyzes the developmental welfare state\u2019s overarching emphasis of citizen responsibility, and examines population policies that reinforce social inequalities and ignore cultural diversity. These factors combine to undermine elaborate state policy efforts in encouraging citizens\u2019 biological reproduction. The book goes on to argue that in order to facilitate positive fertility decisions, the state needs to modify the \u201Ceconomic production at all cost\u201D approach and pay much more attention to the importance o.