“Chinese University Launches ‘Marriage’ Degree Program as Birth Rates Continue to Drop”

In a strategic move to address China’s declining marriage rates and associated birth rate issues, the Civil Affairs University in Beijing has announced the introduction of a new undergraduate program titled “Marriage Services and Management.” Set to begin this September, the program aims to foster professionals skilled in various facets of the marriage industry, from family counseling to high-end wedding planning.

This initiative comes at a critical time when China is experiencing a significant demographic shift. The country’s population has been in decline for the second consecutive year, primarily due to falling marriage rates and the subsequent drop in birth rates. Despite the relaxation of the one-child policy in 2016 and the introduction of a three-child policy in 2021, marriage rates have continued to plummet. The trend, which has persisted for nearly a decade, reached a record low in marriages in 2022. As a result, China’s birth rate has halved since 2016, reaching alarmingly low levels by 2023.

The new undergraduate program is designed to cultivate professionals who can contribute to and develop marriage-related industries and cultures. The curriculum will encompass a range of topics including family counseling, high-end wedding planning, and the creation of matchmaking products. Graduates will be equipped to work in industry associations, matchmaking agencies, wedding service companies, and marriage and family counseling organizations.

The program is expected to recruit 70 students from 12 provinces across China in its inaugural year. Zhao Honggang, vice president of the university, emphasized that the initiative aims to promote China’s positive marriage and family culture amidst the current demographic challenges.

China’s economic slowdown is believed to be a significant factor contributing to the declining marriage rates among young people. Rising concerns about job security, financial stability, and the high cost of living—including housing and healthcare expenses—have led many young adults to delay or avoid marriage. The economic challenges have also resulted in reduced job prospects, lower wages, and decreased consumer confidence, further complicating financial readiness for marriage and starting a family.

The announcement of this new degree program has sparked mixed reactions on China’s social media platform Weibo. Some users have mocked the initiative, suggesting that it represents a state-driven attempt to address marriage and family issues. Comments such as “It’s time to start a state-owned marriage agency” and “Learning this major is really unemployment after graduation” reflect skepticism about the program’s practicality and relevance.

In conclusion, the introduction of the “Marriage Services and Management” program represents China’s efforts to address its demographic challenges through education and professional development in the marriage sector. Whether this new degree will effectively contribute to reversing declining marriage and birth rates remains to be seen.

Sources By Agencies

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