Love Prevails: A Look at Singapore’s Marriage and Divorce Trends in 2022
Introduction
Love was in the air in Singapore in 2022, as the nation witnessed a record-breaking number of marriages and a significant decrease in divorces. The latest statistics released by the Singapore Department of Statistics reveal intriguing insights into the changing landscape of relationships in the country. In this blog post, we delve into the key findings, exploring the rising trend of marriages, the evolving age dynamics, and the positive signs of stability in the realm of divorce.
Record Number of Marriages
Singapore celebrated a love boom in 2022, with a historic high of 29,389 marriages registered – a notable 3.7% increase from the previous year. This milestone marks the highest number of marriages recorded since 1961 when comprehensive data on total marriages began being compiled.
General Marriage Rates on the Rise
The statistics indicate an overall increase in general marriage rates for both men and women in 2022. With 47.0 marriages per thousand unmarried men aged 15 to 49 years and 45.5 marriages per thousand unmarried women in the same age group, the rates reached levels seen only once before in 2002.
Delayed “I Do”: A Trend Towards Later Marriages
While the number of marriages is on the rise, the data also reveals a shift towards later marriages. The median age at first marriage increased in 2022, with grooms tying the knot at 30.7 years (up from 30.1 in 2012) and brides at 29.3 years (up from 28.0 in 2012). This trend suggests a societal shift towards prioritizing personal and career development before settling down.
Divorce Rates Decline
In contrast to the surge in marriages, divorce rates in Singapore experienced a significant drop in 2022. The Department of Statistics reported a 9.9% decrease in marital dissolutions, with 7,107 divorces compared to 7,890 in the previous year. The general divorce rates for both men and women also saw a decline, indicating a positive trend in the stability of marriages.
Changing Dynamics: Age and Divorce
The median age at divorce increased over the last decade, reflecting a shift towards more mature individuals choosing to end their marriages. In 2022, the median age at divorce stood at 44.4 years for men (up from 41.6 in 2012) and 40.5 years for women (up from 38.0 in 2012). This suggests that couples are taking more time to evaluate their relationships before deciding to divorce.
Encouraging Signs for Recent Marriage Cohorts
The Department of Statistics highlights a decline in dissolution rates among resident marriage cohorts after 2005. The cumulative proportion of marriages that dissolved before the tenth anniversary decreased from 17.0% for the 2005 cohort to 14.5% for the 2011 cohort. This positive trend signifies greater stability among recent cohorts of married couples compared to their predecessors.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
Minister of State for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs, Ms Sun Xueling, expressed optimism about the decline in marital dissolutions for recent marriage cohorts. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reiterated its commitment to supporting couples, especially in the early years of marriage, through various programs and initiatives. With a focus on marriage preparation, mentoring, and ongoing support, the government aims to strengthen marriages and promote the joy of marriage and parenthood among Singaporeans.
Conclusion
As Singapore experiences a love resurgence, characterized by a record number of marriages and a decline in divorces, the nation is witnessing a shift in societal attitudes towards relationships. The emphasis on delayed marriages and increased stability among recent marriage cohorts bodes well for the future. With continued government support and community initiatives, Singaporeans are encouraged to embark on their marriage and parenthood journeys, creating a harmonious and fulfilling family life. Love indeed prevails in the Lion City.
