Asia’s family and population in focus

Family and Population in Asia takes a closer look at a range of issues including children, marriage and fertility

In conjunction with its fifth anniversary, the Centre for Family and Population Research (CFPR) at NUS Arts and Social Sciences launched their new book Family and Population in Asia at the Singapore Book Fair 2019 on 6 June. Comprising 30 bilingual essays based on evidential research by CFPR associates, Family and Population in Asia offers insights into challenges faced by Asian societies today, as well as solutions to move forward.

Edited by CFPR Co-Director Professor Jean Yeung and NUS Japanese Studies Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng, the book delves into issues such as children, marriage, fertility, work, ageing, fatherhood as well as women and gender issues. The authors brought their unique voices from across a variety of disciplines to a myriad of social situations — from Older Adult Care and Lifelong Learning, and Social Networks in Singapore, to Productive Ageing in Asia, Filial Piety in Singapore, as well as Global Family Changes.

Prof Yeung (far left) and Assoc Prof Thang (2nd from left) with other members of the CFPR team at the book launch

 ”As we enter the 21st century, family and population issues have faced unprecedented challenges with a global trend of population ageing, the continued low fertility and marriage rates, and changes in family values. This means that it is necessary for us to further understand family and population issues. In particular, we need to pay more attention to Asian societies facing rapid social and economic transformation,” said Prof Yeung at the launch.

She emphasised that there is a need to have a correct and updated understanding of how the family works in society and how the population affects our lives today as social norms, values of life, intergenerational relationships and gender relations are also undergoing constant changes.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, wrote in his foreword for the book, “The themes in this book are... salient, and the chapters offer both important insights and suggestions on possible ways forward. The book also contributes to a needed wave of inquiry and fresh thinking in the social sciences.”

Family and Population in Asia is available at all local bookstores and online at Z bookshop.

By CFPR