China’s Civil Affairs University has announced a new undergraduate programme focused on marriage, sparking a mix of scepticism and criticism from social media users amid declining marriage rates in the country. The Beijing-based institution revealed that it will launch an undergraduate degree in ‘Marriage Services and Management’ starting in September.
The programme aims to cultivate professionals to develop marriage-related industries and culture. The university plans to enrol 70 undergraduates from 12 provinces this year. In response to the evolving societal needs and rising concerns over marriage and family stability. These programs, designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, aim to address issues such as declining marriage rates, increasing divorce rates, and the social challenges that accompany these trends.
Graduates of the programme will have career opportunities in industry associations, matchmaking agencies, wedding service companies, and marriage and family counselling organisations. The course is designed to provide specialised training that can offer positive guidance on marriage to consumers and society at large. It is important for universities to adapt their majors to keep pace with societal changes and promote social development through advanced culture.
The curriculum of marriage and family studies programs typically includes a mix of sociology, psychology, law, and social work. Students study the historical and cultural contexts of marriage and family, theories of interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Legal aspects of marriage, such as divorce law and child custody, are also covered to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
This programme comes at a time when policymakers are grappling with a decline in new births, closely tied to falling marriage statistics. China’s population fell for the second consecutive year in 2023, intensifying efforts to reverse this trend. Marriage is often a prerequisite for having children in China due to policies requiring parents to present a marriage certificate to register their baby and receive benefits.
In 2023 there was a 12.4 percent increase in new marriages compared to the previous year. This was a major step towards reversing a nearly decade-long decline, however, demographers have attributed this rise to delayed nuptials following the Covid-19 pandemic, casting doubt over the numbers or whether they indicate any reversal in trend.
The report noted that many young Chinese are choosing to stay single or delay marriage, due to poor job prospects and low consumer confidence, as economic growth slows in the world’s second-largest economy. Furthermore, these programs aim to foster critical thinking and empathy among students, enabling them to address the emotional and psychological aspects of marriage and family issues effectively. Graduates are also equipped to engage in research and policymaking, contributing to the development of informed and effective family policies.
Declining marriage rates and increasing divorce rates have prompted the Chinese government to explore various strategies to strengthen family units. Education is seen as a crucial tool in this endeavour, with the hope that well-informed individuals can make better relationship choices and contribute to more stable family environments. The Chinese government has shown support for these educational initiatives, recognizing their potential to address pressing social issues.
Universities offering these programs receive backing through funding, research grants, and policy support. This institutional support underscores the importance placed on family stability as a cornerstone of social harmony and development. Despite the positive reception, the introduction of marriage and family studies programs is not without challenges and criticisms. Some argue that academic programs alone cannot solve deep-rooted societal issues.
There is also concern about the quality and consistency of the programs, given their relative novelty in the Chinese educational landscape. Moreover, cultural stigmas surrounding counselling and therapy pose barriers to the acceptance and effectiveness of such initiatives. In a society where discussing personal and family issues publicly is often discouraged, promoting the benefits of marriage and family education requires a cultural shift.
The future of marriage and family studies in China looks promising, with increasing awareness and demand for such education. As societal attitudes evolve and the importance of family stability gains more recognition, these programs are expected to expand and diversify. Collaboration with international institutions and integration of global best practices could further enhance the quality and impact of these.
China’s university degree programs in marriage and family studies represent a proactive approach to addressing contemporary familial challenges. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to foster healthy relationships and stable family environments, these programs hold the potential to make a significant positive impact on Chinese society.
ALSO READ: China’s marriage rate rebounds amid concerns over the birth rate
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.