Asian values have always been centered on the theme of family building.

However, this may all be about to change.

While the numbers for divorce and illegitimate children in Asia are considerably lower than their Western counterparts, a new trend seems to be emerging – to not get married at all.

A recent study suggests that Asian women are marrying later, if they are even marrying at all. Over the past few decades, the mean age of marriage of wealthy nations such as Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong have risen to 29-30 for women and 31-33 for men.

Over one-fifth of Taiwanese women in their late 30s are single; and will never even marry. In Bangkok, 20% of 40-44-year old women are not married; in Tokyo, 21%; in Singapore, 27%.

Paperwork over Housework

The main reason for this change is because women are prioritizing their careers ahead of married life. In Asia, working wives are responsible for not only bringing home a salary while also upkeeping the household.

This dual-role is not exclusive to Asia, but the burden is particularly heavy due to demanding jobs and high cost of living in many Asian countries. Japanese women typically work 40 hours a week in the office and do another 30 hours of housework. In contrast, men only do three hours of housework.

Most women cannot juggle between the two and when push comes to shove, would rather focus on their careers.

On top of that, Asian women feel more liberalized outside marriage. Pursuing a high achieving career allows them financial independence. This means that they can more easily pursue a carefree single life where they are not bound by any relational ties.

No Marriage, No Babies

It is heartening to see Asian women exercising their freedom of choice between the work place and the home. This shows a departure from the traditional ideology that pressured women to start a family.

However the decrease in marriage brings about problems in society.

The fall in marriage rates results in less babies being born. This has strong implications for a country, as their population number will fall to a point where it can no longer support its economy.

This is most apparent in countries like Singapore, which are trying to counter the problem of falling birth rates. On average, 1.11 children are born per couple. If the birth rate remains or dips, the end result would be a gradually ageing population with less working adults to financially support each elderly citizen.

How can governments entice women back to the concept of marriage? It is difficult. If the family finances concerns of having children are addressed and the government offers additional incentives, some women may just be willing to give the idea of marriage another try.

Source: The Economist

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