Older Bachelors Propose Marriage Support Plans
“40 million men may never marry” forecast
“Kidnapping of women could lead to porn addiction,” experts warn
‘Reaping what you sow’ due to birth control and a bias toward male children
Chinese couple taking wedding photos. [EPA=연합뉴스]
Local governments in China, facing declining marriage and birth rates alongside a gender imbalance, are showing an intention to support marriages for the increasing number of older bachelors at the governmental level.
According to Chinese media outlets like Pengpai on the 25th, the Civil Affairs Bureau of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (hereafter referred to as Dali Prefecture) in southwestern Yunnan Province recently conducted a survey of 32,844 unmarried men aged 35 to 55 in the prefecture and announced plans to address the marriage issues of “older youth” through both government arrangements and free dating opportunities.
The Dali Civil Affairs Bureau explained that local Communist Youth League committees and women’s associations act as platforms for marriage and family education, fostering friendships, and providing marriage services. Female officials serve as “public matchmakers” to offer free marriage services. Additionally, they are utilizing venues like cultural activity centers and parks to create meeting spaces for single men and are increasing opportunities for partner discovery through “healthy” group activities, including regular age-specific gatherings, participation in cultural and sports events, and hobby development. They have also announced plans to host 13 dating events this year.
This is not the first instance of a local government in China initiating a ‘marriage promotion’ campaign. In December of last year, Majiang County in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, southwestern China, announced support after identifying 2,057 unmarried rural men aged 40 to 49, 1,133 unmarried men aged 50 to 59, and 475 men over 60.
China currently faces a significant disparity in the sex ratio among marriageable age individuals, stemming from the side effects of the past one-child policy and a traditional preference for sons. According to the 2020 ‘China Statistical Yearbook’, the sex ratio increased to 106.7 for individuals aged 25 to 29, 114.6 for those aged 20 to 24, and 118.4 for those aged 15 to 19. Although the sex ratio at birth has seen some improvement since the late 2000s, the ratio for those aged 15 to 19 still stands at 117.25 as of this year.
Consequently, there are approximately 35 million more men than women of marriageable age in China. This imbalance is expected to worsen in the near future. Professor Li Yinhe, a Chinese feminist, predicted that “by 2050, about 40 million Chinese men aged 35 to 59 will likely never find a partner.” Those who are unable to marry due to a lack of partners are referred to as “shengnan (剩男)” in China, meaning “surplus men.”
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported concerns from Chinese authorities that the increase in “surplus men” could lead to social instability. Li Shuzuo, a professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, warned in a 2015 document from the Chinese Communist Party that the phenomenon of “surplus males” could result in the kidnapping of women and an increase in pornography addiction.
As intense competition among Chinese men for a limited number of women intensifies, both marriage and birth rates are declining. In the first half of this year, the number of marriage registrations in China totaled 3.43 million, a decrease of 498,000 from the same period last year, marking the lowest registrations since 2013. The number of newborns in January was recorded at 9.02 million, the lowest ever. Some experts indicate that more individuals are opting to remain single or are delaying marriage due to concerns about job security and the future in the context of an economic slowdown.
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Yunnan Province’s Dalizhou Tackles Distorted Sex Ratio and Marriage Decline
Background on the Marriage Crisis in Yunnan Province
In recent years, Yunnan Province has faced a significant crisis regarding marriage and demographics. With a growing imbalance in the sex ratio, local officials are scrambling to address the increasing number of old bachelors, often referred to as “shengnan” in China, or “surplus men.” This phenomenon stems from historical birth control policies and cultural preferences for male children, creating a situation where approximately 35 million more men are of marriageable age than women.
Chinese couple taking wedding photos. [EPA=연합뉴스]
Government Initiatives to Support Marriage
Local governments, like the Civil Affairs Bureau of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, are initiating support programs to assist unmarried men aged 35 to 55. A recent survey of 32,844 men indicated a strong need for intervention to help these individuals find partners. The objective is to not only encourage marriages but also to counteract the downstream effects of a warped sex ratio that threatens social stability.
Strategies Being Implemented
- Government Matchmaking: Local organizations are facilitating matchmaking services, using platforms like women’s associations and the Communist Youth League.
- Free Dating Events: The Dali Prefecture plans to host 13 dating events this year to increase opportunities for singles to meet.
- Use of Community Spaces: Parks and culture activity centers will be utilized as meeting spots for organized social activities through sports, entertainment, and hobbyist gatherings.
The Historical Context of Sex Ratio Distortion
China’s gender imbalance can be traced back to the stringent one-child policy enforced during the late 20th century, coupled with a cultural preference for male offspring. Although there have been improvements in birth ratios since the late 2000s, the current statistics still reveal alarming discrepancies:
| Age Group | Sex Ratio (Men:Women) |
|---|---|
| 15-19 | 118.4 |
| 20-24 | 114.6 |
| 25-29 | 106.7 |
Consequences of the Imbalance
As the sex ratio continues to skew in favor of men, various issues arise:
- Increased Competition: Men face intense competition for a dwindling number of partners, impacting the overall marriage rate.
- Declining Birth Rates: The number of registered marriages has dropped dramatically, leading to fewer births. In the first half of the year alone, marriage registrations fell by 498,000 compared to the previous year.
- Potential Social Unrest: Experts have warned that a surplus of unmarried men could lead to dangerous societal consequences, including rises in crime and exploitation. Concerns have been raised about the likelihood of kidnappings and addiction to pornography as desperate individuals seek partners.
Long-term Predictions
Experts like Professor Li Yinhe predict dire consequences by 2050 if the current trends persist, potentially leading to as many as 40 million men unable to find partners. These predictions underline the urgency for proactive measures from both government and society at large.
Case Study: Successful Initiatives in Other Regions
Other regions in China have also launched similar initiatives with varying levels of success. For instance, Majiang County in Guizhou Province identified over 3,500 unmarried men in rural areas and implemented programs designed to introduce them to potential partners.
Unique Approaches
These local governments have experimented with a range of creative solutions, including:
- Cultural Exchange Events: Celebrating traditional festivals as community events that allow singles to meet in relaxed, enjoyable settings.
- Educational Workshops: Providing seminars on relationship skills and family planning, fostering healthier expectations for future marriages.
Practical Tips for Overcoming Marriage Challenges
Individuals and families facing marriage challenges can consider various strategies to increase their chances of successful partnerships:
- Engage in community activities and social events actively.
- Utilize online dating platforms while ensuring safety and transparency.
- Participate in volunteering opportunities that align interests, fostering natural connections.
Conclusion
Following the alarming trends in marriage decline and sex ratio distortion, Yunnan Province is taking a proactive stance to mitigate these societal challenges. With creative solutions and government involvement, there is hope for revitalizing the institution of marriage within the region, ensuring a balanced future.
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