From Questioning Norms to Critiquing Institutions: Cost, Risk, and Emotion in Chinese Youth's Nonmarriage Decisions

Yinan Dong; Bo Zhang

doi:10.63313/EBM.9190

Authors

Yinan Dong University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China Author
Bo Zhang University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/EBM.9190

Keywords:

Marriage, Marriage Intention, Nonmarriage, Emotional Polarisation, Risk Perception

Abstract

Currently, China faces a significant decline in marriage registrations and a growing prominence of nonmarriage. This study analyses 6,095 user answers from Zhihu on two questions regarding nonmarriage. Using high-frequency word analysis, LDA topic modeling, and sentiment analysis, it explores the complex reasons and emotional tendencies behind Chinese young people's choice of nonmarriage. The research finds that young people's explanations for nonmarriage exhibit clear stages and progression, with their nonmarriage logic shifting from questioning marital norms to systematically critiquing institutional factors. The perceived sanctity and inevitability of marriage in personal life are being challenged. As discussions deepen, criticism extends further to systemic issues behind marriage, including social structures, economic pressures, legal frameworks, and patriarchal culture. Meanwhile, the social environment and popular culture continually construct legitimising narratives for nonmarriage, while online emotional polarisation amplifies risk perception and accelerates the social diffusion of nonmarriage preferences.

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