5-12-2024 (BEIJING) China has unveiled an unprecedented educational initiative, directing colleges and universities to implement “love education” programmes aimed at fostering positive attitudes towards marriage, relationships, and family life, as the nation grapples with declining birth rates.
The directive comes in the wake of China’s second consecutive year of population decline in 2023, prompting authorities to take increasingly innovative approaches to address demographic challenges. Despite being home to 1.4 billion people, making it the world’s second most populous nation, China faces mounting concerns over its rapidly ageing population.
According to the China Population News, a state-backed publication cited by Jiangsu Xinhua newspaper group, contemporary college students’ attitudes towards relationships have undergone significant shifts. A revealing survey indicated that 57% of university students expressed reluctance to pursue romantic relationships, primarily citing difficulties in balancing academic commitments with personal life.
The initiative represents a marked departure from traditional academic curricula, with institutions being called upon to introduce comprehensive courses on marriage and relationships. The proposed educational framework suggests a tiered approach, with junior students receiving foundational knowledge about population dynamics and national circumstances, while senior undergraduates and postgraduates would engage in more practical aspects through case studies and group discussions.
This educational strategy aligns with broader government efforts to address China’s demographic challenges. In November, the State Council mobilised local authorities to channel resources towards combating population decline and promoting marriages at “appropriate ages.” However, demographic experts have expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of such measures in influencing young Chinese citizens’ life choices.
The programme aims to address what officials describe as students’ “vague understanding of emotional relationships” due to the absence of “systematic and scientific marriage and love education.” Core objectives include enhancing students’ capacity to navigate relationships and develop informed perspectives on marriage and family life.
