Single Singaporeans and their Hesitation to use Commercial Matchmaking Services

• Main Authors: MATTHEWS, Mathew, STRAUGHAN, Paulin Tay
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2016
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Family, Life Course, and Society; Social Psychology and Interaction
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/2181
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The rising proportion of singles in several East and South-east Asian countries and the related concerns of low fertility have resulted in policy makers in the region introducing state sponsored matchmaking services to help singles enter the nuptial phase. In this paper, the case of Singapore is discussed with particular reference to the hesitation of singles to use such marriage intermediaries. Using a qualitative approach involving 83 single Singaporeans of different ethnic and social backgrounds, the aversion to commodification in the mate selection process, the lack of authenticity and spontaneity that ensues from finding matches through commercial services, and the concern that agencies do not provide quality singles are identified as potential barriers to the use of matchmaking services. Possibly the early involvement of the state in promoting such matchmaking services is being resisted by singles who are averse to subjugating their freedom to pursue the spontaneity of romantic love for the pragmatism of matchmaking.