Menu
articles catalogue
Large Families II: A Cultivate Commune (July) update
In a society with one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, large families stand as a quiet counter‑statement to the Singaporean mainstream. At our Commune on 25 July, we returned to this provocative topic, hearing from two couples who are living it out: Michael and Karen See, with eight children, and Linus and Anne Marie Koh, with six.
- 18 August 2026
Building an (Un)anxious Generation
The move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has led to the rise in anxiety across the world. Social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt made this case in his 2024 book “The Anxious Generation”. Drawing from his findings, our research and policy lead Daniel Lim spoke at The Helping Hand “Ride and Run to Restore” on 18 April 2026, on the topic “Building an (Un)anxious Generation”. Here is an edited extract from the talk.
- July 10 2026
How Delayed Marriage and Parenthood Result in Sandwiched Families
Singaporeans are marrying later and having children later. Demographically, this increases the risk of acute sandwiched family struggles, especially with two or more generations of delayed marriage and parenthood. While it is important to support families in such situations, it is also important to encourage earlier marriage and parenthood planning. A version of this article was presented at our Commune on 16 May.
- June 30 2026
“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 2 of 2): How this 1971 speech suggests solutions to fertility rates today
The 1971 speech by Parliamentary Secretary Inche Sha’ari Bin Tadin captured the heart and motivation of Singapore’s population control campaign. To pursue achievement and a high standard of living, “adaptations” had to be made to family life and childbearing, education and our value systems. To improve our fertility rates, we should perhaps do the opposite what he was calling for at the time.
- June 22 2026
More For You
Even in Old Age, Marriage Matters
As the foundation of family life, the benefits of marriage for children are well-known. But what about the elderly? Elderly who never married or are divorced or separated tend to have weaker intergenerational connections, being less likely to provide and receive support from their families. In “super-aged” Singapore, strengthening marriages must be a key priority, even as we look out for vulnerable seniors.
- 2 April 2026
Sandwiched Families: Too Many Ways to Make a “Sandwich”?
Conceptually, there is no one definition of a “sandwiched” family, ranging from those who live together or nearby, to different kinds of support or care provided to young and old. A reasonable estimate suggests there are more than 100,000 sandwiched households in Singapore. Perhaps valuing and supporting people in their caregiving journeys may be a more constructive way forward.
- 12 March 2026
Eternity (2025): A Cultivate Culture review
If eternity were shaped by the relationships we build here and now, how might we view marriage, caregiving, and the responsibilities we carry for one another? This film reminds us that love is not only found in grand gestures, but in the daily commitments that shape a life together.
- 10 March 2026
