Fewer marriages in China will hit its economy and society
China's second consecutive year of declining marriage registration rates and the doubling of the divorce rate over a decade could have a profound effect on the country's economy and social fabric of society. An increasing number of educated women focused on careers and independent financial security are delaying marriage and having families, resulting in a decline in spending on homes, appliances, and other family-related purchases. However, businesses are already responding: the jewellery industry is offering greater variety as well as cheaper gems, for example, and companies making domestic appliances are selling products aimed at single people.

But the marriage slump — caused in large part by China’s aging population and the legacy of its harsh one-child policy — has a silver lining. It also stems from the rise of an educated population of women. Specialists in economics, demography and sociology say some of those women are delaying marriage to build careers and establish financial footing, resulting in a more empowered female population that no longer views marriage as the only route to security.

“Because they are highly educated, they hold well-paid jobs, they lose the financial incentive to get married,” says Zhang Xiaobo, a professor of economics at Peking University’s National School of Development.

China continues to emphasize marriage in its official media, entreating women not to wait for Mr. Right. But demographics and changing social mores make that a tough sell.

Last year, 12 million Chinese couples registered for marriage, making it the second consecutive year the number has declined. Divorces, which stem from some of the same trends, reached 3.8 million last year, more than twice the level of a decade ago.