Prof. CHAN Ching, SelinaSelinaProf. CHAN Ching2018-03-052018-03-052003In Chan, K. B., & Tong, C. K. (Eds.) (2003). Past times: A social history of Singapore (pp. 57-67). Singapore: Times Media Private Limited.9812049169http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/4999This chapter discusses the transformation of the family structure in Singapore by examining the changing marriage patterns. Owing to the migrant background of Singapore, the family structure at the beginning of the 19th century was a dispersed one. The term 'dispersed family' is used here to describe one in which members are scattered in different places or countries. This chapter considers how the dispersed family was later reunited, becoming a 'localised' one in which members stay in the same place.enBook Chapter