| Abstract: | This paper examines factors associated with Singapore's substantial decline in birth rate during the 1970 to 80 decade among Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups. Through the use of graphs, tables and charts demographic tabulations in the areas of crude birth rates, female age distribution, nuptiality, marital fertility and family planning patterns are indicated. Data analyzed suggests that female proportion at given ages in the reproductive span is less responsive to child bearing opportunities. Evidence of the wider adoption of contraception within each of the major ethnic groups with differences in regard to the educational and age level of the users further emphasizes the behavioral and societal attitudes towards fertility. Urgency about the far reaching economic and social implications of a sustained decline of birth rate is based on a fear of a shortage of manpower coupled with the need to import workers to sustain industry. |
