China Launches Controversial Marriage Degree Amid Demographic Challenges

China's Civil Affairs University has unveiled a new undergraduate program focused on marriage services and management, set to commence in September 2024. This initiative aims to cultivate professionals in marriage-related industries and promote Chinese marriage culture.

The program, which will enroll 70 students from 12 provinces, has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms. Many users have questioned the necessity of such a degree, given the country's declining marriage rates and changing social attitudes.

"This industry is not just a sunset, it's doomsday."

The introduction of this program comes as China grapples with significant demographic challenges. The country's population has declined for two consecutive years, with 2023 marking the second year of negative growth. This trend has raised concerns among policymakers, who are struggling to reverse the falling birth rates.

Marriage in China is closely linked to childbirth, as it is often a prerequisite for having children due to various policies. For instance, parents must present a marriage certificate to register their child and receive benefits. This requirement excludes single women and LGBTQ couples from accessing the same rights.

The new degree program will cover areas such as family counseling, high-end wedding planning, and the development of matchmaking products. It aims to highlight China's positive marriage and family culture to students and the public while advancing reform of the country's marriage customs.

Despite the criticism, there are some positive indicators. In 2023, the number of new marriages in China increased by 12.4% compared to the previous year. However, demographers caution that this uptick may be attributed to delayed weddings following the COVID-19 pandemic rather than a long-term trend reversal.

The marriage landscape in China has been evolving rapidly. The average age of first marriage has increased from 22 in 1990 to 26 in 2020, reflecting changing social norms and economic pressures. Additionally, the concept of "leftover women" (sheng nu) has emerged, referring to unmarried women over 27, highlighting societal expectations around marriage.

As China faces an aging population expected to peak at 400 million by 2055, the government has implemented various policies to encourage marriage and childbirth. These include relaxing the one-child policy in 2016 and further allowing three children per couple in 2021.

The introduction of this marriage-focused degree program is just one of many efforts by the Chinese government to address demographic challenges and promote traditional family values. However, its effectiveness remains to be seen as young people continue to prioritize career development and financial stability over marriage and family formation.