The notion of marriage has always been considered an inevitable and indispensable life event. It is the social institution that either formalizes legally or in a religious ceremony the commitments,...Show moreThe notion of marriage has always been considered an inevitable and indispensable life event. It is the social institution that either formalizes legally or in a religious ceremony the commitments, whish or decision of a couple to lead a married life together and probably the promise to establish a family on their own. An old Chinese saying: ‘When boys and girls reach adulthood they should get married’, is a good way to illustrate the average thinking of Chinese society. The importance of marriage has its roots in the Confucian ideology and Chinese are obsessed with it. This refers particularly to the values that are attached to the continuation of the family line and filial piety. Marriage has always been promoted as the establishment of a family as the basic building block of Chinese society. There is very little space for an alternative lifestyle other than a married life; it is the norm in China. Marriage can then be considered as an ultimatum, and disapproves of those who choose to stay single. If you do not marry, you are basically not taken very seriously and considered immature. Outside of marriage are no alternatives easily recognized. Your behavior is labeled as if you are socially irresponsible.So views the Chinese government that severe sex ratio imbalance as a threat to social stability and harmony. In 2007 China’s State council started with a population policy improving the quality of the newborn population. In addition, The ACWF has determined a term; shengnü (剩女 / Leftover women), and was later officially recognized as a term by the Ministry of Education. Since then the government and state media started a campaign to discourage women to stay single or delaying their age of marriage. Women over 27 and single were branded as Leftover women.Show less
