Since 1979, China’s strict one-child policy was enforced for 36 years. During this time, the Beijing authorities and local governments heavily promoted the policy. Those born in the 70s and 80s likely experienced the impact of family planning firsthand, making them reluctant to marry. If families dared to have more than one child, they faced severe penalties such as confiscating livestock, grain, and even demolishing their homes.
High economic costs as a barrier to marriage and childbearing
Economic pressure is the most direct factor influencing young people to avoid marriage and parenthood. The costs associated with getting married and raising children have skyrocketed compared to the past.
This year, the number of single individuals in China is expected to exceed 300 million. Many young people choose to “lie flat,” (Tang ping) a term describing a passive lifestyle, due to fears about the future. Concerns about financial instability and emotional infidelity are prevalent. Who wouldn’t want to provide a better life for their family? The main reason for not marrying or having children boils down to one word: poverty. As someone born in 1998, I would marry immediately if the government provided financial support.
Severe work pressure and the ‘involution’ phenomenon
Workplace competition in China is becoming increasingly fierce, forcing many young people to work long hours in high-pressure environments. This leaves little time to consider marriage and starting a family. Many young people feel hopeless about the future.
Historically, no other period in China has seen such widespread fear of marriage and parenthood. Young people are uncertain about their future, with job security a significant concern. Even if you have a job today, you might be unemployed tomorrow. With such uncertainty, the prospect of marriage and children becomes daunting.
Currently, a man’s earnings are often insufficient to support a family. With average salaries ranging from RMB 3,000 to 5,000, coupled with mortgage and car loans, many people find themselves in debt. Living alone is manageable, but supporting a family is a different story. Young people aren’t unwilling to marry; they fear they can’t afford it.
Changing views on marriage in today’s China
Many young people are questioning the necessity of traditional marriage. At 37, I find myself at the bottom of society. Raised in a single-parent family, I attended a prestigious university and earned a decent income. Yet, I remain unmarried for two reasons: disappointment with the world and with the institution of marriage. Choosing not to marry isn’t selfish. We don’t want to burden others when we feel powerless to take responsibility for another family or children.
The daunting ‘bride price’ culture
In many parts of China, a groom is expected to provide property or significant savings to the bride’s family before marriage. This tradition of demanding a bride price deters many young people from marrying.
Both men and women are equal, so why should a man be required to buy a house and a car for a woman? The expectation that a man must provide a home as a condition for marriage is burdensome. The bride price, a gesture of respect and gratitude, has become a financial obstacle. If this culture doesn’t change, the marriage institution in China might collapse.
A blogger named Abai humorously mentioned that she won’t marry or have children, nor does she have insurance or a pension. She jokingly plans to commit a crime in her old age to be taken care of by the state in prison.
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
