Singapore: Recent trends in the sex and age composition of a cosmopolitan community

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The population of Singapore is comprised of three main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malaysian and Indian/Pakistani; and a large number of smaller groups of which Eurasians, Europeans and Ceylonese constitute the greater part. Substantial differences exist between these ethnic groups as regards sex and age composition. Historically these characteristics have been those frequently associated with immigrant populations, notably a high masculinity and a heavy concentration in the younger and middle adult age groups. Currently this pattern is being substantially modified, as indicated by data from the 1957 Census of Population. Restrictions on immigration, and rapid growth by natural increase are at once the cause and effect of a much more balanced sex ratio and a much younger population. Nevertheless, considerable differences in composition still exist between ethnic groups, and unyielding cultural mores preclude the extensive intermarriage which might reduce these contrasts and produce a single homogeneous pattern. Although the social and economic implications of the unbalanced sex ratio are less apparent now than in the past, those associated with age structure are becoming increasingly significant. Education in general, and literacy in particular, pose major problems in terms of expenditure and trained personnel; employment opportunity is limited in a society which has not long begun the processes of modernization and industrialization; and the youthful population and scarcity of jobs impose a heavy dependency burden on the workforce. Low-cost housing and other social services are being provided but not always at a charge or in the way to be of advantage to the most needy. In the long term, the most encouraging trend would be a lower rate of natural increase more closely adjusted to economic and social resources. Although the rate of natural increase is still high, it is possible that this trend has begun; a basic change in attitudes, probably the product of increasing educational opportunity and rising standards of living among at least some sectors of the population, is being reflected in more moderate rates of population growth.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: