In 1950, China passed the New Marriage Law, which outlawed arranged marriages and concubines, and enabled women to divorce their husbands. But in practice, arranged marriages remained commonplace, and the language of freedom of marriage and divorce was not translated into the freedom of love, Pan said.

Is arranged marriage common in China?

Arranged marriages Total control in the marriage decisions of children by parents is rare in China today, but parental involvement in decision making now takes on a different form. Additionally, women are generally expected to marry men who are economically better off than themselves in a practice called hypergamy.

How do arranged marriages work in China?

In a typical arranged marriage in China, a family with a son or daughter of suitable age would engage a matchmaker, who would cast his or her net for potential candidates and conduct the necessary background checks on their reputation and character, as well as the social status and financial position of their families.

Why is marriage important in China?

Marriage matchmaking has always been an important cultural practice in China. For generations, marriage was arranged by parents who followed the principle of “matching doors and windows,” which meant that people needed to marry those of similar social and economic standing.

Can a brother marry his sister in China?

The original ban on marriages between cousins maintained in the current Marriage Law as revised in 2001 (art. 7(1)). It remains in effect so that first cousins — as third degree relatives under the PRC Marriage Law — are still prohibited from marrying each other in China.

What is the legal age to get married in China?

22 The minimum age for marriage is raised to 22 for the man and 20 for the woman, although in practice even later marriage is encouraged. Late marriage and late childbirth are emphasized as part of Chinas attempt to limit its population growth. The new law also makes divorce easier to obtain.

Why does China allow polygamy?

Polygamy was practised in China until the middle of the 20th century. To regulate family life and protect the legal rights of the individuals involved, the ancient Chinese devised the dishu system to govern polygamous arrangements.

What is the average age of marriage in China?

Most women had their first marriage at 20; half were married before the age of 21.9; their average age at first marriage was 22.8 years. Among geographic groupings, the age at marriage is highest for Shanghai populations for both men (27.82 years) and women (25.76 years).

At what age do girls get married in China?

20 According to Chinas law, the minimum legal marriage age for men is 22, and for women it is 20. Getting married later is a common phenomenon in the world.

What age can u legally get married in China?

22 The legal minimum age for getting married in China is 22 for men and 20 for women. The fee for a marriage certificate is usually about 9 CNY.

Can you marry multiple wives in China?

In mainland China, polygamy is illegal under Civil code passed in 2020. This replaced a similar 1950 and 1980 prohibition. Polygyny where wives are of equal status had always been illegal in China, and had been considered a crime in some dynasties.