Commentary: Invasive questions and threats will not persuade Chinese women to have children

The popular matchmaking reality show Fei Cheng Wu Rao (If You Are The One), running on Chinese national television since 2010, reflects the Chinese public’s interest in dating and romance. From time to time, successfully matched couples go on the show to discuss their relationship or marriage.

Instead of threatening people into marriage, companies could reintroduce the traditional concept of matchmaking by helping their single employees find matches among their own colleagues. That provides a better chance of finding someone with similar values, educational backgrounds and career trajectories.

Of course, these matchmaking programmes should be provided on a voluntary basis and aimed at eager singles who actually do want some help with finding love.

MARRIED COUPLES MAY NOT WANT CHILDREN

However, getting married and having children can be separate things for young couples today. Many Chinese women can support themselves and no longer see marriage as a means of fulfilling traditional obligations such as procreation. They will more likely have children if it fits with their personal plans.

The higher costs of living and raising a child in the city serve as considerable deterrents, as well as people’s tendencies to pursue more individualised lifestyles.

“I can’t believe I got pregnant right after I got married,” said Jingyi, a 27-year-old finance professional in Hangzhou. “I just bought a gym membership and planned to go travel the world with my husband.”

Needless to say, Jingyi did not have another child after her first one. She chose instead to renew her gym membership so she could get back into shape.