In 2024, marriages in China dropped 20% to just 6.1 million, the lowest number recorded since 1986. This decline, from 7.7 million in 2023, signifies a persistent trend as young individuals resist governmental pressures to marry and have children amidst high living costs. Concurrently, divorce rates rose slightly. Factors influencing this trend include economic concerns, the impact of a past one-child policy, and a cultural aversion to non-marital childbearing. Young people increasingly prioritize personal lifestyles and choices over traditional marriage and parenting.
"The sharp dive in nuptials was amplified by 2023's brief rebound as people caught up on weddings after several years of Covid restrictions."
"It's not that people don't want to get married, but that they can't afford to get married!" said one Changzhou-based commenter.
"For many young people, not getting married is an active choice. At the same time, having their own lifestyle and enjoying single life is also a big reason."
"But the broader trend remained on track stubbornly resisting the ruling Communist party's push to reverse China's demographic decline."
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