A woman recently gained attention online after sharing her experiences living in Sweden with her partner, where she encountered culture shock over the country’s “sambo” practice.
The term ‘sambo’ and its meaning, while foreign to many, is a cultural norm in Sweden, she goes on to explain.
In her posts, she highlighted the significant differences between Swedish and Singaporean views on cohabitation, sparking discussions among her audience about these cultural contrasts.
What is ‘Sambo’? Sweden’s Cohabitation Norm
In Sweden, the concept of ‘sambo’ refers to a couple living together in a committed relationship without being married. This arrangement is widely accepted, and many couples opt for cohabitation as a long-term lifestyle. Under Swedish law, sambos enjoy certain legal rights and protections similar to those of married couples.
The TikTok user expressed her surprise at this tradition, which contrasts sharply with what she was used to in Singapore, where cohabitation before marriage is less common. In her video, she discussed how this cultural shift challenged her expectations, especially since Singaporean society places a greater emphasis on marriage as a prerequisite for living together.
Cultural Divide: Sweden vs. Singapore
Sweden and Singapore exhibit distinct cultural differences when it comes to relationships and co-living. In Singapore, many couples choose to wait until after marriage before living together, partly due to societal expectations and government housing policies, like those under the Housing Development Board (HDB), which prioritize married couples for public housing.
On the other hand, Sweden’s progressive stance on relationships encourages couples to live together before marriage, viewing it as a practical way to assess compatibility. The original poster noted how normal and accepted this practice is in Sweden, compared to the more traditional outlook on cohabitation without marriage in Singapore.
Cultural Conversations Among Viewers
The viral TikTok sparked conversations among Singaporeans and other nationals alike, with many commenting on how cultural norms around relationships are evolving in a globalized world.
Some shared similarities between Sweden’s culture to theirs.
Others agreed with the TikToker’s sentiment.
As more Singaporeans relocate for work or personal reasons, the differences in values and lifestyles abroad continue to provoke interest, reflecting the ongoing shifts in relationship dynamics in an increasingly interconnected society.
Adjusting to Swedish Relationship Norms
The woman’s post also touched on the personal adjustments she had to make to adapt to Sweden’s egalitarian relationship dynamics. She highlighted how Swedish society emphasizes personal independence and shared responsibilities within partnerships, contrasting the traditional gender roles often seen in Asian cultures. This led her to reflect on her own values and expectations in her relationship.
Watch the video here:
@wynnyyyy Replying to @🌝 living together but unmarried 🙋🏻♀️ #cultureshock #sweden #sambo #culturalnorms #relationships #livinginsweden #singaporean
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