“Autonomous Marriage”: Symptoms of Alienation, Underlying Logic, and Institutional Regulation in Youth Marriage Patterns
LIU Yong, QI Xuan-li
School of Marxism, Changzhou University; Jiangsu Provincial Key Cultivated Think Tank-Red Culture Research Institute, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164
Abstract：“Autonomous marriage” refers to a new marital structure where spouses maintain a high degree of independence in economic, domestic, and emotional spheres. It represents an attempt by young people to flexibly adapt marital arrangements for greater self-selection and self-actualization, constituting a “pure relationship” built upon economic foundations, social trends, and individual emotional considerations. Unlike traditional marriage forms based on emotional bonds and mutual support, the "Autonomous marriage" model, which is emerging and spreading in first-tier cities, represents a choice made by young people under the pressures of demanding careers, the financial burdens of marriage, differing life philosophies, and the negative impact of online media. “Autonomous marriage” reflects the unique marital philosophy of Generation Z, characterized by a non-interfering approach between spouses and a high degree of material and spiritual independence. However, this marital form also poses challenges such as undermining emotional stability between couples, hindering the mutual support function within families, and eroding social trust in the institution of marriage. To regulate the phenomenon of “Autonomous marriages” among young people, we can establish “Marital Quality Assessment” services that use professional assessment tools to help couples identify and optimize deficiencies, Strengthen “Joint Marital Tax Incentives” policy while promoting excellent traditional Chinese marital culture through marital education courses, and Cultivate “patient capital” in marriage and jointly nurture “happy homes”. Only by encouraging young people to consciously adopt the principle of cautious partner selection before marriage and sincere mutual treatment after marriage can a high-quality social environment be formed that is conducive to cultivating correct values regarding love and marriage.
2025, Vol. 42 
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