From Patriarchy to Parity — and Now Beyond:

How Singaporean Women Quietly Surpassed Men in Higher Education

For decades, Singapore’s education journey mirrored that of many Asian societies — one where sons were prioritized, and higher education was seen as a ladder primarily for men to climb. But over time, that cultural bias faded, while the nation’s focus on education remained unshaken.

What followed was a quiet but profound shift that’s only visible when you look carefully at the numbers.

The Historical Context

Traditionally, many Asian societies, including Singapore, placed a higher value on educating sons over daughters. This cultural norm resulted in older generations of Singaporean men having higher university education rates compared to women. However, as Singapore progressed, these gender biases diminished, but the emphasis on education remained steadfast.

The Silent Shift

In 2002, women aged 25–29 finally caught up to — and began to surpass — their male counterparts in university-level qualifications. That year, 33% of women in that age group held a university degree, compared to 30% of men — a 3% lead in favor of women. It may have seemed insignificant at the time. But it wasn’t a blip.

Instead, it marked the beginning of a long and consistent trend.

By 2024, the lead has widened dramatically. Among those aged 25–29:

• 65% of women hold university degrees

• Compared to just 51% of men

Even after accounting for National Service delays, most Singaporean men have completed their degrees by age 25 — which means this gap cannot be explained away by timing alone.

The trend continues into older cohorts:

• Age 30–34: 66% of women vs 57% of men

• Age 35–39: 63% of women vs 59% of men

• Age 40–44: roughly equal percentages

It’s not just a generational quirk. It’s a systematic and sustained shift.

Interpreting the Data

This shift prompts several critical questions:

• Have we achieved gender equality in education, or has the pendulum swung too far?

• What factors contribute to fewer men pursuing university degrees? Possible considerations include:

  • National Service could delay not just graduation, but motivation to pursue higher education.

  • Social media and online distractions disproportionately affecting boys and young men, reducing academic focus.

  • Shifts in societal expectations may steer more men toward vocational routes or quicker pathways into the workforce.

  • Education system dynamics, including teaching styles and school environments, may unintentionally favor female learning patterns.

Have We Reached Gender Equality — or Tipped the Other Way?

While women’s progress in education should be celebrated, it’s also important to examine the growing gender gap in the opposite direction.

This shift raises tough questions:

• Have we overlooked boys in our push for equity?

• Is this new gap contributing to downstream effects like lower male workforce participation, earnings potential, or societal disengagement?

• How might this imbalance affect future family dynamics, workforce composition, and national resilience?

Moving Forward

Education isn’t just about personal growth — it’s tightly linked to social mobility, career progression, and civic engagement. A sustained gap in male educational attainment could lead to longer-term consequences for:

• National productivity

• Household formation

• Economic inclusion and mental health among men

This isn’t about reversing progress for women. It’s about bringing boys and men back into the conversation — to ensure everyone rises together.