Expected to worsen, China’s marriage rate is at its lowest in 12 years
Many young Chinese are choosing to remain single or delay marriage due to poor job prospects and economic uncertainties.
The number of marriages in China, directly linked to the country’s birth rate, has seen a significant decline, posing considerable challenges for policymakers striving to reverse the nation’s population shrinkage, which has now persisted for its second consecutive year. This ongoing decrease in China’s marriage rate is raising alarms as it reflects broader demographic issues that could impact the country’s future economic and social stability. Efforts to address these challenges are critical as China faces a shrinking workforce and potential long-term societal shifts due to the declining number of marriages and subsequent births.
Recent data on marriage registrations revealed that 3.43 million couples got married in the first half of the year, a decrease of 498,000 compared to the same period last year. In China, marriage is often considered a prerequisite for having children, supported by various incentives and policies. For instance, parents must present a marriage certificate to register their child and access state benefits.
Factors Contributing to the Decline in China’s Marriage Rate
However, many young Chinese are choosing to remain single or delay marriage due to poor job prospects and economic uncertainties as growth in the world’s second-largest economy slows. This trend has contributed to a steady decline in China’s marriage rate since 2014. Although there was a slight increase in 2023 following the easing of pandemic restrictions, the rate is expected to drop to its lowest level since 1980 this year, according to demographic expert He Yafu, who spoke to the state-backed newspaper, the Global Times.
He Yafu identified several factors contributing to the decline in marriage registrations, including a decrease in the number of young people, a higher ratio of males to females in the marriageable population, the high cost of marriage, and changing societal attitudes. He emphasized that reversing the long-term decline in China’s marriage rate and birth rate would be challenging without substantial childbirth support policies.
Government Response and Criticism
In response to the declining marriage rates, China’s Civil Affairs University has announced a new undergraduate program focused on marriage-related industries and culture. This initiative, set to begin in September, aims to “cultivate professionals to develop marriage-related industries and culture,” according to local media reports cited by The Independent. The program will enroll 70 students from 12 provinces and will cover topics such as family counseling, high-end wedding planning, and the development of matchmaking products.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism on social media, with users questioning the necessity of such a course amid the ongoing decline in China’s marriage rate. Critics argue that addressing the root causes of declining marriage and birth rates, such as economic instability and societal pressures, might be more effective than creating new academic programs focused on marriage-related industries.
As China grapples with the implications of its shrinking marriage rate, it is evident that addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach, including economic reforms, improved support for families, and changes in societal attitudes. The future of China’s demographic landscape will hinge on how effectively policymakers can respond to these challenges and implement strategies to reverse the declining trend in China’s marriage rate.
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