Interdependence in Asian Families: The Singapore Case
September 6, 2016
An article titled “Interdependence in Asian Families: The Singapore Case” by A/P Thang Leng Leng (NUS Dept of Japanese Studies) and former FASS faculty member A/P Kalyani Mehta explores the dynamics of “interdependence” between generations of Asian families. Published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships in 2006, the qualitative research study involved 30 interviews conducted with 10 families in Singapore, and comprised questions concerning the role and functions of the grandparent, level of satisfaction with relationships with family members, and the activities the grandparent and grandchild participate in.
Physical care, financial support, and the transmission of values and cultures were among the types of interdependence common to the 10 families surveyed. The authors note, for instance, that grandparents are recognized as “wardens of culture”, guiding, preserving and transmitting knowledge, experiences and skills to the next generation. The study also found that those who live in the same household tend to be closer in relationship compared with adult children and grandchildren who live apart from their grandparents. Additionally, the middle generation plays an important role in facilitating and making possible more opportunities for the alternate generations to communicate and interact. A/P Mehta and A/P Thang’s study hence highlights the value of studying the changing dynamics of intergenerational relationships and its impact on policies, services and intergeneration programmes, within the context of a fast modernizing city.
Follow this link to learn more about the study.