China is witnessing a significant shift in its social fabric, with an increasing number of young people choosing to remain single. The total number of unmarried individuals in China has now surpassed 230 million. This trend has given rise to a generation that values freedom and autonomy over traditional marriage and family life.
For many young Chinese, choosing not to marry offers numerous benefits. Staying single provides freedom, allowing individuals to live as they please without worrying about societal expectations. It also brings a sense of mental and physical liberation, as they aren’t weighed down by marital responsibilities.
China’s sluggish economy, high unemployment rates, and intense workplace competition have made it difficult for many young people to see a hopeful future. As a result, a growing number of Chinese youth have embraced the “Forno youth” lifestyle, which stands forno dating, no marriage, no property ownership, and no children. This generation, often referred to as the “Desperate Generation,” reflects a broader societal shift away from traditional family structures.
Marriage statistics in China have plummeted by half over the past decade, with this year’s figures expected to be the lowest in 40 years. The birth rate continues to decline, and the disheartened cry of “we are the last generation” resonates among many. The high cost of marriage is a significant deterrent, with expenses such as bride prices, housing, and wedding costs making it unaffordable for many.
The financial burden of getting married in China is exorbitantly high. Housing prices are steep, whether one is a city dweller or a rural migrant worker. In many regions, especially rural areas, the bride price starts at 100,000 Yuan (about $14,000) and can go as high as 300,000 Yuan (about $41,000). Legal experts point out that these costs make marriage unaffordable for many young people.
Many Chinese youth share stories of financial ruin due to the high costs associated with relationships and marriage. Some have had to abandon their business aspirations and endure significant financial stress to meet these societal expectations. Avoiding debt traps like home loans and car loans also helps them maintain financial freedom, making the choice to stay single even more appealing.
Recent reports indicate that around100 million post-90s Chinese are opting to remain single. The total number of single individuals in China has now surpassed 230 million. These young people are not anxious about marriage or love; they are anxious about money. For many women, the financial burden is also a significant factor, as they seek a sense of stability and ownership that is often unattainable without a stable income.
High unemployment rates and limited job opportunities in small and medium-sized cities make marriage unaffordable for many. Chinese traditions demand wedding banquets, buying a house, and purchasing a car as prerequisites for marriage. Housing prices in first-tier cities can easily reach millions, making it nearly impossible for young people’s savings to cover the cost of a home.
China’s economic model has led to high housing prices, expensive healthcare, costly education, and high child-rearing expenses. This has resulted in young people opting out of marriage and parenthood. Legal experts believe that this economic model keeps people poor and in debt, making it difficult to achieve a happy family life. Quality of life and happiness remain out of reach for many, as they barely make enough to survive, let alone support a family.
Today, the population of those of marriageable age is at a historical low. Banners encouraging people to have more children, such as those promoting having three children to support aging parents, seem absurd to many. In the past, the slogan was “Family Planning is good” and “Fewer births benefit the nation for generations”. Now, the message has changed entirely.
Young people’s decision to “lie flat” is not their fault but a consequence of societal pressure. They are crushed under three burdens—housing, education, and healthcare costs, along with exorbitant bride prices. No matter how many banners are hung, if fundamental issues remain unaddressed, people will continue to avoid marriage and parenthood. China’s younger generation is facing significant economic and societal challenges that have led to a widespread reluctance to marry and start families. The financial burden of marriage, high housing prices, and limited job opportunities make it difficult for many young people to see a hopeful future. As a result, many have opted for a life of singlehood, prioritizing personal freedom and financial stability over traditional family structures. Addressing underlying economic issues is crucial to reversing this trend and creating a more supportive environment for young people considering marriage and parenthood.