China is witnessing a historic decline in marriage rates, with new marriage registrations falling 20.5% in 2024. The trend reflects shifting societal attitudes and complicates Beijing’s efforts to boost birth rates amid an aging population. Many young Chinese adults prioritize individual fulfilment over traditional family structures. Government attempts to reverse the declining birth rate have largely failed to resonate with young adults facing high housing costs, job insecurity, and societal pressures. For policymakers, the declining marriage and birth rates pose long-term economic challenges, including a shrinking workforce and increased pressure on social welfare systems. The percentage of unmarried women aged 25-29 rose from 8.7% in 2000 to 33.2% in 2020. Meanwhile, divorces increased by 1.1% last year to 2.6 million. The social stigma of being single remains, as seen in online discussions about ‘leftover men’ and “leftover women”, a common term for unmarried individuals in China. The road ahead for policymakers will require more comprehensive policy adjustments, according to the Financial Times.
China is witnessing a historic decline in marriage rates, wi….
