I thought so too at first, but:
> But he says his research has controlled for all these factors, by concentrating on nine multi-lingual countries: Belgium, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Estonia, DR Congo, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, and Switzerland.
> But he says his research has controlled for all these factors, by concentrating on nine multi-lingual countries: Belgium, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Estonia, DR Congo, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, and Switzerland.
Here, it's a country that's well developed, has a high level of education and does have a pension (called CPF). The average local salary is SGD $2,000 per month and I can tell you the CPF does not provide enough for retirement. There's a back-to-work program that effectively lets those well into their retirement (70s, 80s) go back to work, and heartbreakingly they end up clearing tables, washing dishes or serving down at the local McDonalds.
Culture-wise, Singapore is predominantly Chinese. In fact they're probably more Chinese than China - many of the old traditions that aren't followed in China still happen here like the "Hungry ghost" and "Yu sheng". Come Chinese new year, "red packet" culture is alive and well, with the holiday seen as a chance for your relatives to be happy of all the wealth and prosperity you've accumulated over the year. Have an aunt who lives in near poverty? She'll be so happy that you drive around in a $120,000 car.
Malaysia is a slightly different story. It's split into Chinese Malaysia, and indigenous Malaysia. If you've ever been to Malaysia, you'll quickly understand that there is a need to look after your own family rather than trust anything to the government. It's notoriously corrupt. I stupidly drove a car with Singaporean plates to Kuala Lumpur, and was such an easy target for traffic police where unsurprisingly everything could be fixed by paying a 'fine.' If you get sick in places like this, your ability to get better depends on your ability to pay enough to get the better doctors and get prioritized up the waiting queue. If you're poor, good luck.
So no, I don't accept that the research has controlled for all these factors. I see it as an attempt from a failed linguistics professor to attach meaning where there is none.
Moreover you can't just look at income. You have to also look at overall cultural factors because these decisions and habits are often part of much larger cultural patterns within a specific community.