A company in China, Shuntian Chemical Group, faced backlash for a policy threatening termination of never-married and divorced employees if they remained single by the end of September. The policy aimed to increase marriage rates among employees, with those aged 28 to 58 required to resolve their personal marriage issues by a specific deadline or face termination. The government officials intervened, pointing out the policy violated labor laws, leading the company to rescind it.
The Chinese government has been promoting marriage and childbearing to address declining and aging population trends. The number of new marriages in China dropped significantly in the past year, highlighting the need for measures to encourage family formation. A political adviser has proposed lowering the legal age for marriage to 18 as one solution. However, this suggestion was met with skepticism on social media, with concerns raised about economic stability and the practicality of starting a family at a young age.
The push to increase marriage rates reflects broader demographic challenges facing China, including a shrinking population and rising age of the workforce. As the government seeks ways to address these issues, it must consider the socioeconomic factors influencing individuals’ decisions regarding marriage and family planning. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Shuntian Chemical Group’s policy highlights the complex relationship between government initiatives, corporate policies, and individual choices in the context of demographic shifts in China.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
