China Unveils Pioneering University Degree in Marriage Services and Management

In an unprecedented move reflecting the evolving dynamics of Chinese society, the Beijing-based Vocational University of Civil Affairs has introduced China’s first university degree program dedicated to the complex world of matrimony. This innovative four-year course, beginning in September, offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of marriage-related services and management.

Yu Xiaohui, dean of the university's School of Wedding Culture and Media Arts, detailed the program’s scope: “It encompasses the complete cycle of marriage and family life, from matchmaking services and premarital counseling to marriage registration, wedding planning, and even pre-divorce counseling.” Yu emphasized that this initiative seeks to address the current shortage of highly trained professionals in the burgeoning marriage services market.

The program’s diverse curriculum includes modules in sociology, wedding venue design, family ethics, the economics of the marriage industry, and family policies. Students will also gain practical experience through internships at specialized agencies dealing with weddings, matchmaking, marriage registration, and counseling.

Zhao Honggang, vice president of the university, announced that the inaugural class will consist of 70 undergraduates selected from 12 provinces across China. This strategic enrollment approach ensures a diverse student body capable of impacting various regions of the country upon graduation.

The launch of this degree program comes at a crucial time for China. After a nine-year decline, new marriages in the country saw a 12.4% increase in 2023. However, demographic challenges persist, with over half of the population aged 25 to 29 remaining unmarried, and a trend toward later marriages becoming increasingly common.

The Vocational University of Civil Affairs, operating under the Ministry of Civil Affairs, is not limiting its innovative approach to matrimonial studies. The institution also offers cutting-edge programs in smart health-care management, social work, rehabilitation assistive device technology, and notably, funeral management.

The Modern Funeral Management curriculum, another first-of-its-kind undergraduate major in China, aims to equip students with specialized skills. These include body embalming and preservation techniques, palliative care practices, grief counseling, body cremation procedures, and funeral equipment maintenance.

These new academic offerings come against the backdrop of China’s rapidly aging population, a result of increased life expectancy and an "ultra-low" fertility rate. Despite government efforts to relax the long-standing one-child policy, the number of births continues to decline. In 2023, China's total population decreased by over 2 million, settling at 1.41 billion.

The introduction of these unique degree programs signifies China’s proactive approach to addressing societal changes and emerging industry needs. By fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of modern relationships and end-of-life care, China is positioning itself to better manage the evolving needs of its population.

As these pioneering students embark on their academic journey this fall, the impact of their future contributions to Chinese society remains to be seen. One thing is clear: China is taking bold steps to prepare for the demographic and social challenges ahead, utilizing education as a key tool in this endeavor.