Population crisis is becoming a global crisis. First, it was Russia setting up a sex ministry, and now China is urging universities and colleges to teach the youth how to fall in love.
But why is China urging its youth to take love lessons? Once upon a time, China had an infamous one-child policy, which took effect from 1979 to 2015 and has left a lasting impact on the nation’s demographics. The policy was initially introduced to control overpopulation, but it has now resulted in an aging population and a shrinking workforce. In 2023, China recorded its second consecutive year of population decline, prompting the government to take drastic measures.
Now, the Chinese government is urging colleges and universities to introduce “love education” courses. The goal? To promote positive views on marriage, love, fertility, and family. The aim is to create a “healthy and positive marriage and childbearing cultural atmosphere” among the youth. The entire nation is now hoping its young people can learn to fall in love and get married.
Though China’s population stands at 1.41 billion, it has been on a steady decline, with the birth rate hitting record lows. According to reports, the number of marriage registrations fell from a record high of 13.47 million in 2013 to 8.13 million in 2020.
Reports by China Population News, show that about 57% of college students reported that they do not want to fall in love, citing difficulties in balancing their studies and relationships. So, what is the way forward for China? So, in true government fashion, the solution is clear: teach young people to love, get married, and have babies—problem solved!
Let’s pause for a moment. Can love really be taught in a classroom? Because apparently, what China needs right now isn’t just better economic policies or more affordable housing. What they need is a “healthy cultural atmosphere” to encourage the youth to settle down and procreate.
The government’s attempts to reverse the population decline are becoming increasingly desperate. From offering financial incentives to encouraging love lessons, it seems like they’re throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. But will it be enough to save the nation from a demographic collapse?
Critics argue that this decision is just another band-aid solution to a much deeper problem. The younger generation’s unwillingness to marry and have children is not just about a lack of education on love. It’s about economic pressures, career ambitions, and changing social norms.
What do you think? Let’s keep this conservation going in the comments below.
