Marriage and Childbearing Aspirations in Contemporary China: Changing Preferences Among Young Adults

Over recent decades, China has undergone considerable economic and cultural change, and has also experienced substantial changes in regard to marriage and childbearing. Marriage rates have steadily fallen, while cohabitation, singlehood, and divorce have increased. Despite changes in government policy aimed at increasing fertility rates, childbearing has declined. Using data from the pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and post-pandemic (2022–2024) periods, this study examines whether young adults’ aspirations for marriage and childbearing have changed over time, and considers some of the contextual factors that may affect such aspirations. The results indicate a significant decline over time in marriage and childbearing aspirations among young adults, with these declines being particularly pronounced among young women. Familial and peer factors influence aspirations, but individual traits appear to have a more salient impact upon aspirations. The findings and implications are discussed with the developmental paradigm.