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

How Society Can Help Men and Boys to Flourish

“We cannot succeed as a society if either men or women or both are demoralised and floundering in life.” Cultivate SG executive director Darius Lee spoke with Dr John Hui on a podcast published on 24 August 2025, on the “The State of the Family in Singapore - and What Men Can Do”. Here is an edited extract from the podcast.

9 February 2026

“Unfiltered – The Family on Trial” Conference 2025 – Presentation of Findings from “Marriage, Parenthood and Success” Survey

Our researcher Daniel Lim shared the findings from Cultivate’s “Marriage, Parenthood and Success” Survey at Cultivate SG's second annual conference, "Unfiltered - The Family on Trial", on 17 November 2025. Cultivate SG commissioned Pureprofile to survey 2,019 Singapore residents aged 21 and above on how societal ideals of success influence family decisions. Key results show marriage and parenthood rank low as markers of personal success compared to career and financial achievements.

9 January 2026

Fostering Hope: A Cultivate Commune (September) update

Fostering is a temporary care arrangement for children and young persons who need a safe environment. At our Commune on 27 September, Gracehaven Fostering and foster parents Joel and Rachel gave a glimpse of the joys and challenges of fostering.

5 January 2026

“So… Why Does Marriage Even Matter Anymore?” A Conversation Between a Mum and Her Two Gen Z Daughters

"Just a piece of paper?" or "What if it doesn't work out?" In this piece, a guest contributor shares a conversation with her two Gen Z daughters on the topic of marriage.

25 September 2025

“Cinderella Effect”: Is risk of abuse higher in stepfamilies?

Drawing its name from the popular fairy tale, the “Cinderella effect” describes the tragic phenomenon where children have a higher risk of abuse by non-biological parents (married or unmarried to the biological parent). Though well-documented, the reasons for the trend are hotly debated. Nevertheless, understanding the unique and specific challenges and complexities faced by stepfamilies can guide us in preventing and addressing child abuse.

28 July 2025