From the year 1950 till 2023, China was the world’s most populous country. A report by the United Nations indicates that China’s population could slip to 1.3 billion in 2050 and then plummet to just 770 million in 2100. To combat low birth rates, China has relied on undergraduate degrees. Sounds like a novel way, right? Well, think marriage-related degree courses like matchmaking and pre-divorce counselling. Here’s more.
China Offers Marriage-Related Degree Courses For Undergraduates
A report by Reuters throws light on China’s novel approach to salvage the nation’s plummeting birth rates. China’s Civil Affairs University has launched a new undergraduate marriage programme. This is done with a telos to develop marriage-related culture and industries. Amid declining marriage rates, social media users questioned the need for an unusual marriage-related degree course in Chennai.
This programme will see the light of day in September. The Beijing-based institution with this course seeks to nurture professionals to develop marriage-related industries and culture. After China’s population dipped for the second consecutive year in 2023, policymakers are struggling to reverse the decline in birth rates. Since this is closely related to marriage rates, marriage-related university degrees are seen as viable solutions.
This new degree programme is called Marriage Services and Management. It will focus on the development of the marriage industry in China. A report by the Global Times stated that this course will highlight China’s positive marriage and family culture to students and the public. And it may reinstate the younger generation’s belief in the institution of marriage. Moreover, it will advance the reform of China’s marriage customs.
The Nation’s Way To Reverse Low Birth Rates
Civil Affairs University will enrol 70 undergraduates from 12 provinces this year in its programmes like “family counselling”, “high-end wedding planning” and the development of matchmaking products. China, like other Southeast Asian nations also considers marriage to be a prerequisite for having children. Parents need to present a marriage certificate to register their babies and receive benefits.
China saw a sigh of relief when the number of new marriages registered jumped to 12.4% in 2023. However, demographers warn that this was due to delayed nuptials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, many youngsters are opting to stay single or delaying marriages due to poor job prospects.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.