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

“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

Divorcing? Please Still Try to Cooperate for the Sake of Your Child

In post-divorce custody battles, it is remarkable how Singapore law strives to preserve the relationship of children with both parents despite the breakdown of the marriage. Joint custody is the norm, and courts have often encouraged divorcing couples to set aside their hostility for the sake of their children.

10 June 2025

Marriage – Yay or Nay?

Let me start with a confession. When I was approached to write a commentary about marriage, my first reaction was “No thanks!”

23 May 2025

“Mismatched: Dating and the Gender Divide”: A Cultivate Commune update

Do gender roles or differences matter in dating? What do men and women think? At our Commune on 8 March, we gathered some young men and women to talk candidly about the dating scene and their own experiences, and gained some interesting perspectives on the topic.

28 April 2025

What are “Good Enough” Marriages?

From a child’s perspective, “good enough” marriages are those where there is a low level of conflict between parents. Based on research, it would be better for children in the long term to reconcile such “good enough” marriages instead of divorce.

14 June 2024

Tag: Marriage