Chinese University Introduces Degree in 'Marriage' to Address Declining Birth Rates

Photo : Reuters

In an effort to bolster China's diminishing marriage rates and support its marriage and family culture, the Civil Affairs University in Beijing has announced a novel undergraduate program in "Marriage Services and Management." This initiative, set to launch in September 2024, aims to address the country's ongoing demographic challenges by nurturing professionals in the marriage sector.

Program Overview

The new degree program is designed to develop expertise in various aspects of the marriage industry, including family counseling, wedding planning, and matchmaking services. According to Zhao Honggang, Vice President of the university, the program will initially admit 70 students from 12 provinces across China. This strategic move comes as a response to the country's significant drop in birth rates, which has been closely linked to declining marriage rates.

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The curriculum will cover:

• Family Counseling: Techniques and strategies to assist families in navigating complex issues.
• High-End Wedding Planning: Skills for orchestrating luxury and bespoke weddings.
• Matchmaking Products: Development and management of innovative matchmaking solutions.

Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in industry associations, matchmaking agencies, wedding service firms, and counseling organizations focused on marriage and family.

Context and Rationale

China's population has been shrinking for two consecutive years, largely due to falling birth rates that have persisted despite policy changes. The relaxation of the one-child policy in 2016 and the introduction of a three-child policy in 2021 have failed to reverse the trend. In fact, marriage rates have continued to decline, hitting a record low in 2022, which has further exacerbated the country's low birth rate.

The economic slowdown in China has been a significant factor in this demographic shift. With rising concerns over job security, financial stability, and the high cost of living—including housing and healthcare expenses—many young people are delaying or avoiding marriage. The lack of financial preparedness is a crucial barrier to marriage and starting a family.

Public Reaction

The announcement of the new degree program has garnered mixed reactions on social media platforms like Weibo. Some users have expressed skepticism, with comments suggesting that the initiative might not be practical or could lead to high unemployment among graduates. One user sarcastically proposed the creation of a state-owned marriage agency, while others dismissed the program as a poor response to the broader economic and social issues affecting marriage rates.

Despite the criticism, the university remains committed to its goal of fostering a positive marriage and family culture in China. The introduction of this program reflects a broader effort to address the demographic challenges facing the nation and to support the development of related industries.