Chinese University Announces New Marriage Major Amid Falling Birth Rate

In an effort to promote a positive culture of marriage and family in China, the country’s Civil Affairs University recently announced a new undergraduate program focused on marriage, called “Marriage Services and Management.” The program comes at a time when China is grappling with a decline in births that is closely linked to a decline in marriages, Independent reported.

The undergraduate program, set to open at the Beijing institution this September, aims to “train professionals to develop marriage-related industries and culture,” according to state media. The program, which begins enrolling students this September, will recruit 70 undergraduate students in 12 provinces in 2024, university vice president Zhao Honggang told local media.

About program:

• The program aims to educate professionals who will develop marriage-related industries and culture and promote a positive marriage and family culture in China.
• The program will cover topics such as family counseling, high-end wedding planning and matchmaking product development.
• Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to pursue careers in industry associations, matchmaking agencies, wedding service providers, and marriage and family counseling organizations.

Interestingly, China’s population has declined for the second year in a row, largely attributed to a steady decline in birth rates. Despite the easing of the one-child policy in 2016, which allows couples to have up to three children from 2021, marriage rates have continued to decline. This trend has continued for nearly a decade, with 2022 being a record low year for marriages. As a result, the birth rate has halved since 2016, reaching critical lows in 2023.

China’s economic slowdown appears to be a significant factor in the decline in young marriages. With concerns about job security and financial stability growing, many young people are hesitant to get married. The country’s slowdown has led to fewer job prospects, lower wages and falling consumer confidence, making it harder for young adults to feel financially prepared to get married and start a family. In addition, the high cost of living, including housing and health care, is also contributing to delays or avoidance of marriage.

Several users on Chinese social media platform Weibo mocked the ad, with one writing: “Time to set up a state-owned dating agency.”

Others questioned the need for such a degree. “This industry is not just the sunset, it’s the end of the world,” wrote one, while another commented that “studying this field is basically unemployment after graduation.”