Sliding Marriages and Divorces in China: Explaining the Shocking Trend
China, a country famous for its huge population, is experiencing a never-before-seen demographic crisis. The marriage and divorce rates in the country have been decreasing at a shocking pace, leaving policymakers and sociologists struggling to comprehend the root causes. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the trend and analyze its effects on Chinese society.
A Dramatic Reduction in Weddings
Based on recent data, marriages in China have been falling progressively over the last few years. In 2020, the marriage rate fell to a historical low at just 7.4 million couples getting married. This is a dramatic drop compared to 13.4 million marriages reported in 2013.
There are a number of reasons why this is happening. One of the main reasons is the rising economic burden on young couples. The rising cost of living, especially in cities, has made it difficult for youth to marry and have children. The old assumption of owning a house before getting married has turned out to be an impossible dream for many.
Divorce Rates Also on the Decline
Ironically, China's divorce rate has also fallen, even as its economy has grown more prosperous. In 2020, the rate of divorce fell to 3.2 per 1,000, from 3.8 per 1,000 in 2015. While this sounds paradoxical, experts explain that the downward trend in divorce rates is directly related to the dip in marriages.
A possible reason is that couples are increasingly wary of getting married, aware as they are that it can end in divorce. This wariness is seen in the increasing rate of "cohabitation without marriage" where couples opt to cohabitate without marrying.
Underlying Reasons and Implications
So, why are these trends down? Sociologists attribute this to a number of factors, among them:
Shifting social norms: Social norms around marriage and family are changing, with younger generations valuing autonomy and professional growth over family responsibility.
Increased level of education: More women receiving higher education and entering the labor force are postponing marriage and childbearing, hence the decline in marriage.
Economic uncertainty: The increasing financial burden on young couples, combined with the uncertainty of China's economic future, is making them more cautious about entering into marriage.
The implications of such trends are considerable. Declining marriage can contribute to a shrinking workforce, falling consumer spending, and added pressures on the pension system. In addition, the declining divorce rate might hide underlying problems, such as domestic violence or dissatisfied marriages, with adverse impacts on individuals and society generally.
Conclusion
The decrease in the marriage and divorce rates in China is a multifaceted issue, driven by the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces. While the nation struggles with these population trends, it is critical to tackle the root causes and create policies that favor young couples and families. Through this, China can prevent some of the adverse effects of these trends and guarantee a more secure and affluent future for its people.