Singapore youth: the impact of social status on perceptions of adolescent problems

This study examined key issues facing Singapore youth and whether social class status affected their perceptions of problems. The major problems reported by 220 high school aged youths included being pressured to keep up with schoolwork, worrying about the future, and needing help with schoolwork. A considerable degree of congruence was found in terms of how lower- and middle-class youths ranked their problems. Cm-square analysis, however, indicated that significantly larger numbers of lower-class youths considered the following issues problematic: arguing with parents, receiving enough sex education, feeling good about oneself, worrying about suitable work, worrying about the future, difficulty in accessing recreation facilities, and needing help with schoolwork. The path for Singapore youth growing into adulthood is one that reflects the stress and pressure of a dynamic, modern society with changing social and cultural values.