Pathways and Trajectories of Households in Singapore (PATHS)

The life trajectories, long-term outcomes and welfare of families are mainstay areas of concern in social policy research in Singapore. These concerns are particularly heightened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected various segments of our society. Against this backdrop, the Pathways and Trajectories of Households in Singapore (PATHS) study seeks to track long-term experiences and outcomes of 5,000 households in Singapore, in understanding their challenges, priorities and aspirations. The study examines a diverse range of areas, including employment, family support, and young children’s development. It aims to investigate how families have been coping with their finances, what they prioritise, what they aspire towards, the obstacles they face in fulfilling their aspirations, and what they hope for their children.

To achieve a comprehensive understanding of these experiences and outcomes, IPS Social Lab will employ a rigorous, mixed-methods approach for the PATHS study, leveraging on the complementary strengths of different research methodologies. These include quantitative analyses of large-scale population survey data at the household levels, as well as qualitative methods to facilitate in-depth, candid, and open-ended sharing of opinions and experiences. In so doing, the study endeavours to provide a holistic and nuanced understanding of variegated long-term pathways and trajectories for families in Singapore.

The first wave of PATHS is currently underway. If you would like to find out more about the study and what it entails, you can refer to the Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form here.