Mentoring Relationships among Low-SES Youth in Singapore: Barriers, Enablers, and the Role of Social Capital

Mentoring is widely recognized as a catalyst for upward social mobility among youth from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. However, relatively little is known about how disadvantaged youth negotiate and experience effective mentoring relationships in practice. This study addresses that gap by examining the barriers and enabling factors that influence whether these young people can benefit from mentorship. The study employs a mixed-methods design, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data from Singaporean youth (ages 18–25) residing in public housing. This paper reports the qualitative results of the study, while the quantitative results are reported in a different paper published in a journal. The analysis explores personal narratives to illuminate the interplay of factors that shape access to mentoring relationships and the potential of these relationships to improve the life outcomes of low-SES youths. The findings indicate that low-SES youth in Singapore rely heavily on family and peer networks for guidance in decision-making, yet struggle to engage in formal mentoring relationships that provide practical, relevant support aligned with their aspirations and needs. These results underscore the importance of applying a social capital lens to mentorship initiatives, integrating them with youths’ existing support systems to ensure that guidance is meaningful for their upward mobility.This research is funded by the Social Mobility Foundation (LKYSPP, NUS)