In Singapore, young men are more likely to support traditional gender roles — a survey
A survey by the Singapore-based Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) found that young men are more likely than older age groups to support traditional notions of masculinity, emotional restraint, and the division of household responsibilities. The study included 1,084 men—citizens and permanent residents of Singapore aged 18 and older, according to Channel NewsAsia.
According to the results, 72% of respondents associate their self-worth with the ability to earn a living and provide for their families. Another 55% said they are reluctant to talk about their feelings because it makes them feel weak. Among men aged 18–24, approximately 65% feel this way, while among respondents aged 55 and older, the figure is about 49%.
Overall, about 63% of participants feel pressure to live up to masculine ideals. In the 18–24 age group, this figure was 70%, and among men aged 55 and older, it was 54%.
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Most respondents agreed that childcare and housework should be a shared responsibility between partners. At the same time, about 29% of men aged 18–24 and 26% in the 25–34 age group believe that these responsibilities should primarily fall on the woman or wife. Among respondents aged 45–54 and 55 and older, approximately 10% each answered this way.
AWARE also stated that more than a third of the men surveyed believe that men cannot control themselves when sexually aroused. The organization emphasized that patriarchal norms harm not only women but also men themselves, in particular by leaving them to cope with their emotions alone.
Matthew Matthews, director of the IPS Social Lab, cautioned that the results do not necessarily indicate a general shift among young men toward more traditional views. According to him, other data from Singapore indicated that younger generations are less likely to support giving men priority in employment, prioritizing boys’ education, or the claim that mothers’ employment is harmful to children.
