China's New Marriage Program Sparks Controversy

China's Civil Affairs University has announced a new undergraduate marriage program to develop marriage-related industries and culture. The Beijing-based institution aims to address declining marriage rates and birth rates by cultivating professionals in the field. The program has received mixed reactions on social media.

China's Civil Affairs University has revealed plans for an undergraduate marriage program to foster marriage-related industries and culture. Despite the initiative's focus on reversing declining marriage and birth rates, it has drawn criticism from social media users questioning its relevance.

Starting this September, the Beijing-based institution hopes to recruit students to study marriage services and management, aiming to promote China's positive marriage and family culture and reform customs. The program includes courses in family counseling, high-end wedding planning, and matchmaking product development.

While the number of new marriages in China rose by 12.4% in 2023, analysts attribute this to postponed weddings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young people are still reluctant to marry because of poor job prospects and low consumer confidence.