Couples pose for pre-wedding photos by the seaside in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, on April 21, 2024. Reuters
China has called on colleges and universities to introduce "love education" courses to instill positive attitudes toward marriage, love, and family planning. The move is part of a broader effort to address the nation’s declining birth rate, which dropped for the second year in a row in 2023. The aging population poses challenges for the economy and government spending, making it crucial for policymakers to encourage younger generations to embrace family life.
The proposed courses aim to help students develop a clear understanding of relationships, family responsibilities, and parenthood. Officials believe that university students hold the potential to boost fertility rates but are increasingly distant from the concepts of marriage and love. A survey by a national publication revealed that 57% of college students are hesitant to pursue romantic relationships, with many citing difficulty in balancing love with academic commitments.
The lack of formal education on emotional and relationship matters has left many students with vague ideas about love and marriage. To address this, universities are being encouraged to offer structured programs on these topics. The curriculum might begin with junior students learning about national demographics, population issues, and evolving ideas of marriage. For senior students and graduates, more interactive methods like case studies, group discussions, and workshops on relationship management could be introduced.
Advocates argue that such programs will promote a healthier culture around marriage and childbearing. "Colleges and universities should assume the responsibility of providing marriage and love education to college students," an official report suggested. The goal is to create a "healthy and positive marriage and childbearing cultural atmosphere" that resonates with young adults.
Despite these efforts, experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures in reversing the country’s population decline. Cultural shifts and modern challenges, such as high living costs and demanding career aspirations, have made marriage and parenthood less appealing to many young people.
The Chinese government has been implementing various strategies to address the population issue, including offering financial incentives for childbearing and advocating for marriage at an earlier age. However, these measures have had limited impact so far.
By targeting students, the government hopes to influence the next generation’s mindset early. These educational initiatives could help students develop skills to build meaningful relationships, manage emotional challenges, and prepare for family life. While the long-term effects remain uncertain, the focus on relationship education represents an innovative approach to tackling the population crisis.
