Understanding the Bandwidth Tax
Explore the daily challenges faced by Singapore's B10 (bottom 10% income) families through an interactive simulation
What is the Bandwidth Tax?
Research shows that financial stress consumes mental resources, making it harder to make optimal decisions. This 'bandwidth tax' affects cognitive capacity and can trap families in cycles of difficult choices.
Duration: 5-10 minutes | Learning approach: Experiential with reflection
This simulation simplifies complex realities. It aims to build understanding, not perpetuate stereotypes.
Choose Your Family Scenario
Select a family situation to personalise your experience:
Single Parent
Managing alone with two children while working part-time
Sandwich Generation
Caring for aging parents while raising teenagers
Large Family
Two parents with four children in rental housing
Situation
What do you do?
Reflection
Understanding the Research
The Bandwidth Tax
Research by Mullainathan and Shafir shows that financial stress consumes mental resources, making it harder to make optimal decisions. This 'bandwidth tax' affects cognitive capacity and can trap families in cycles of difficult choices.
Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic psychological needs: autonomy (feeling in control), competence (feeling capable), and relatedness (feeling connected). Poverty can undermine all three.
Positive Youth Development
The 40 Developmental Assets framework shows that young people need both external supports (family, community) and internal strengths (commitment, values) to thrive.
Singapore Context
Singapore's ComLink+ programme recognises that families need both financial support and empowerment to break cycles of disadvantage.
Your Experience Summary
Your decisions across the scenarios show the complex trade-offs B10 families face daily.
Collaborative Learning & Discussion
Stakeholder Perspectives
🏫 Educator's View
"Children from B10 families often arrive at school stressed, affecting their learning capacity. How can schools better support these students?"
👨⚕️ Social Worker's View
"Families need both immediate support and long-term empowerment. Crisis intervention alone isn't enough."
🏛️ Policy Maker's View
"We need evidence-based interventions that address root causes, not just symptoms of poverty."
🏘️ Community Member's View
"Neighbours and local organisations can provide crucial informal support networks."
Collaborative Solution Development
Workshop Question: Based on your gameplay experience and the different stakeholder perspectives, what integrated solutions could help break the cycle of bandwidth tax for B10 families?
🛡️ Preventive Measures
- Early intervention programs
- Financial literacy education
- Community support networks
🚨 Crisis Support
- Emergency assistance funds
- Flexible childcare options
- Mental health resources
🌱 Long-term Empowerment
- Skills development programmes
- Asset building initiatives
- Policy advocacy
Real Support Resources in Singapore
Family Service Centres
Professional counselling and support services in your neighbourhood.
Find CentreSkillsFuture
Lifelong learning initiative to help upgrade skills and improve employment prospects.
Explore CoursesEmergency Contacts
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Every family deserves support and the opportunity to thrive.