By, Vashnavi, Srija, Abhiram,
Manasvini & Snehith
Singapore Two
Child policy
Introduction The DTM stage
The 2 child policy of singapore first
Singapore’s two child policy aka known
as Stop at Two is a a campaign with initiated at 1972-1987, During that
the goal to regulate population growth specific period, singapore was at
and address socio-economical
challenges
2nd stage of DTM which is outlined
as “Early expanding” where
Physical Characteristics:
singapore, experiences high birth
Small city state located in south east
Asia, rates but eyes a decline in death
Urbanized landscape, Global Trading Hub rates, leading to higher population
Political Context:
and less aged people for work,
Policy introduced in 1972 by the therefore singapore had to take a
Singapore Family Planning and action and added the 2 child
Population Board (SFPPB) concerning
for overpopulation and economic [Link] achieve better economy
development and sustainble demograph patterns
Pressure on housing, transport, public
and also preserve resources.
services as it has large population
density
Government implemented strict
What is the 2 child policy
measures, using financial disincentives
to families with more than two children This policy iniated when the
like reduced tax reliefs government was concenred about the
Additional hospital fees for extra births
high population fluctuation and
Economic Data: focused on controlling the population,
Resource Allocation: With limited resources, so singapore has created a policy
the government aimed to provide quality
education, healthcare, and housing. The
known as 2 child policy or “Stop at 2”,
two-child policy was seen as a way to the main objective was to limit the
allocate resources more effectively and
population of the nation by making
improve living standards for families.
Labor Market Considerations: A smaller families have only 2 children and
population was thought to facilitate better iniated a famous slogan called as “Stop
job opportunities and economic growth by
preventing unemployment and at 2”, for the families who followed the
underemployment among citizens however policy are getting a financial incentive
less labor workers
which will help the poor families
Demographic Data: financial status, for the families who
Population of 5.07 million(2024) don’t follow the policy, they have
Total Fertility Rate(TFR): 1.17 births per
woman(2024) descentives, such as additional taxes
Aging Population: aged 65 and above and pentalities for life time. After the
19.9%(2024), increase 12.6% from 2014.
Working Age Population: Citizens aged
implementation of the policy the
20-64 yrs 60.4%(2024) working age increased with lower
Birthrate: 1.25 per women
birth rates
STRENGTHS OF THE POLICY
Controlled Population Growth: The policy was successful in slowing down rapid population growth, which was straining
resources and infrastructure.
Economic Development: A smaller population allowed Singapore to focus on developing its economy and improving living
standards for its citizens.
Improved Resource Allocation: With a slower population growth rate, the government could better allocate resources like
housing, education, and healthcare.
CHALLENGES OF THE POLICY
Aging Population: The success of the policy has led to a rapidly aging population, posing challenges for the
workforce and social support systems.
Potential Labor Shortages: A smaller workforce could potentially lead to labor shortages in certain sectors of
the economy.
Social Implications: The policy may have contributed to social issues like an increasingly materialistic society
and a decline in family values for some.
Role Of Government
Launched Stop at Two Campaign in 1970 with aim to control population growth and economic
challenges
Apart of a broader family initiative led by Singapore Family Planning and Population Board(SFPPB)
Strong Public Messaging including Slogans like “Please Stop at Two” to change Societal Attitudes to
family sizes
Increased hospital charges for birth of more than two children.
Housing benefits and offered rewards for families sticking with the two child policy.
Impact Of Policy On Resources
During the 1960's Singapore’s population as peaking leading to more demans on resources
and more pressure on the government especially since Singapore had limited resources and
still was in developing stage. But after the implementation of 2 child policy, the demand on
essential resources was decreased and government had more time for better planning and
distribution of resources rather than rushing it, moreover the government of Singapore was
able to invest on essentials such as health care, housing for citizens and etc. Moreover
Singapore was able to preserve resources for urbanization for the future. Without the
implementation of the policy, Singapore could’ve suffered from lack of resources and be
pressurized by the population.
Impact Of Policy On Development
The policy was to limit resources effectively, which ensured that services such as housing,
healthcare, education could be provided without overwhelming the system. Moreover smaller
size families can allow parents to invest more in their child’s education and well=being,
contributing to Singapore’s economic growth. It also increases more focused family planning
which leads to better healthcare and improved healthcare access.. It promoted nuclear
families, faciliating urbanization and modernization.
2 suggestions on the policy:
1. The government can change the 2 child policy to 3 child because, by implementing the 2
child policy the fertility rate was significantly reduced and now Singapore should add
pro-natalist polices, rather than that Singapore can add 3 child policy which can prevent
from fertility decline while controlling the population with consistent.
2. Instead of forcing families to not have more than 2 childs, they can promote education
on how to balance the population and mention the potential problems on why we need to
balance the population trend.
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