In a troubling development for policymakers, China’s marriage rates have continued to decline, reflecting a broader trend that threatens to exacerbate the country’s shrinking population. Data released on Sunday revealed that 3.43 million couples married in the first six months of this year, a decrease of 498,000 compared to the same period last year. This decline comes as a blow to efforts aimed at boosting the nation’s population, which has been contracting for two consecutive years.
Impact on Birth Rates
The reduction in marriage rates is closely linked to the number of births, as marriage is often viewed as a prerequisite for having children in China. Policies require parents to present a marriage certificate to register their child and access state benefits, further tying marriage to childbearing. The decline in marriage rates is expected to contribute to a continued decrease in birth rates, which have been falling since 2014.
Factors Contributing to Decline
Several factors are contributing to the declining marriage rates in China. These include a decrease in the number of young people, an imbalance in the gender ratio with more males than females in the marriageable age group, high marriage costs, and shifting societal attitudes. Additionally, many young Chinese are choosing to stay single or delay marriage due to concerns about economic stability and future prospects amid a slowing economy.
Policy Responses and Public Reaction
Demographic expert He Yafu highlighted that unless substantial support policies are implemented to encourage childbirth, the declining birth rate may persist. In response to the trend, China’s Civil Affairs University has introduced a new undergraduate program focused on marriage-related industries and culture. However, this move has been met with skepticism on social media, with users questioning the relevance of such a course amid declining marriage rates.
As China grapples with these demographic challenges, the government faces mounting pressure to develop effective strategies to address the long-term impacts on the nation’s population and economy.
