Findings from the Singapore Fatherhood Public Perception Survey 2009, commissioned by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), point to the need and desire in Singaporean fathers to be more involved in active fathering.
97% of Singaporeans are of the view that fathers play an important role in their children’s lives, according to the Singapore Fatherhood Public Perception Survey conducted in 2009.
The survey commissioned by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, covered more than 2,000 respondents from a cross section of the population.
96% of the fathers surveyed wish that they could spend more time with their children in their growing years.
Findings from the survey show that there is agreement that fathers have a strong influence in shaping their children’s values (82%), as well as affecting general behaviour (80%) and psychological health (77%).
96% of the fathers surveyed also feel very committed to their role as a father, and 95% of them say that being a father and raising children is one of the most fulfilling experiences a man can have.
However, fathers still spend less time with their children than mothers. On average, during the weekend, a father typically spends about 8.4 hours a day with his children as compared to 10.5 hours spent by a mother.
When asked about the roles and responsibilities of a father, 46% of respondents still point to being the breadwinner as a man’s key role in the family.
Download survey results in full here.
First published on 05-07-2010.