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TL;DR
- China’s Civil Affairs University is launching a new degree in “Marriage Services and Management” to boost marriage-related industries.
- The program aims to address declining marriage and birth rates by promoting stable family units and marriage customs.
- Social media reactions are mixed, with some questioning the necessity of such a degree amid economic challenges.
- The degree will offer courses in family counseling, wedding planning, and matchmaking to prepare students for related careers.
China’s Civil Affairs University has announced the launch of an undergraduate degree program in “Marriage Services and Management,” which is set to begin in September. This innovative program aims to cultivate professionals to develop marriage-related industries and culture, in response to declining marriage rates and birth rates in China. The university plans to enroll 70 students from 12 provinces, offering courses in family counseling, high-end wedding planning, and matchmaking services.
The introduction of this degree has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users mocking the initiative and questioning the need for such a program amid a declining marriage rate. Despite a 12.4% increase in new marriages in 2023, experts attribute this rise to postponed weddings due to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than a genuine reversal of trends.
Policymakers are striving to address these demographic challenges, as marriage is often a prerequisite for having children due to policies requiring parents to present a marriage certificate for registering newborns and receiving benefits. The program is part of broader efforts by the Chinese government to promote stable family units and improve marriage customs.
The curriculum will focus on providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in various sectors such as wedding planning, family counseling, and matchmaking agencies. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to addressing societal changes and promoting social development through education.
Source: Reuters
