In recent years, the marriage situation in Chinese society has undergone significant changes. Especially in the first half of 2024, the national marriage registration numbers were only 3.43 million pairs, a substantial decrease of 498,000 pairs compared to the same period last year, marking a new low in nearly a decade. This phenomenon reflects a dual dilemma regarding marriage issues between rural and urban areas: rural men face difficulties in getting married, while many people in cities choose to remain unmarried. This article will explore this social phenomenon from multiple dimensions.
The “marriage difficulties” of rural men
In rural areas, the “marriage difficulties” faced by men have become a significant social issue that cannot be overlooked. The roots of this dilemma lie in various structural factors.
Firstly, the gender imbalance is one of the main reasons rural men find it difficult to find spouses. According to the seventh national census data, there are 17.52 million more males than females in the 20-40 age group, with this imbalance being particularly pronounced in rural areas. Due to historical reasons and the impact of birth policies, the number of males in rural regions far exceeds that of females, leading to intense competition for many rural men when searching for partners.
Secondly, economic pressures are also a significant reason rural men struggle to marry. With the continuous rise in living costs and the relatively slow economic development in rural areas, many families find it difficult to bear the high costs associated with marriage. From engagement to wedding, including bride price, wedding preparations, and obtaining property, each step requires substantial financial support. For many rural families, this represents an almost unbearable burden.
Moreover, the shift in social attitudes has also impacted the marriage issues of rural men. With the improvement in education levels and the flow of social information, rural women’s thoughts and beliefs have gradually become more open, and their marriage expectations have also risen. Many women are no longer satisfied with traditional marriage models but hope to find more suitable partners to realize their self-worth. This change further diminishes the competitiveness of rural men in the marriage market.
The “unmarried” urbanites
Compared to rural men, the issue of “marriage difficulties” is particularly prominent. However, in urban areas, another phenomenon is also noteworthy: an increasing number of young people are choosing not to marry.
Firstly, economic pressure is one of the main reasons why young people in cities are opting for singlehood. With the acceleration of urbanization and skyrocketing housing prices, many young people are compelled to postpone their marriage plans in the face of high living costs and heavy financial burdens. They need to invest more time and energy in their careers and wealth accumulation to tackle future life challenges. This pressure makes many young people hesitant about marriage.
Secondly, the shift in marriage concepts is also a significant reason for urban youth’s decision to remain unmarried. As social culture becomes more diverse and individual awareness awakens, a growing number of young people start pursuing personal freedom and self-actualization. They no longer view marriage as a necessary stage of life but focus more on personal value and happiness. Under the influence of this mindset, many young people choose to remain single or delay marriage plans in pursuit of a more free and independent lifestyle.
Moreover, the demands of career development also prompt many urban young people to choose not to marry. In modern society, career advancement holds significant importance for personal growth and a sense of achievement. Many young people, for the sake of career success and personal development, find themselves needing to invest more time and energy into work. This professional pressure makes it difficult for them to balance marriage and family life, leading to the choice to postpone or abandon marriage plans.
The marriage dilemma under comprehensive factors
Whether it is the “marriage difficulties” of rural men or the “unmarried” status of urban youth, both reflect the complex dilemmas faced by society regarding marriage issues today. The roots of this dilemma lie in a variety of comprehensive factors:
