The proposal to lower the legal age of marriage to 18 has aroused widespread concern and heated discussions in society. This proposal aims to respect the free choice of young people and promote population growth and family harmony. Currently, the legal age of marriage in China is 22 for men and 20 for women. Gan Huatian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and a professor at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, proposed that the age be lowered to no earlier than 18 for both men and women. This proposal reflects society's respect for individual freedom and individual choice, but it also brings with it a range of risks and challenges.
First, early marriage and early childbearing may affect adolescents' academic and career development. Marriage and childbearing require a lot of time and energy, and taking on these responsibilities too early can distract teens from their studies and careers, which can affect their future development. Second, early marriage may also increase marital instability. As young people are not yet psychologically, emotionally, and financially mature, entering the marriage hall too early may lead to a lack of adequate coping skills when facing problems in their marriage, which can increase the risk of marriage breakdown.
In addition, lowering the legal age of marriage also needs to take into account the supporting measures of society and the improvement of laws and regulations. For example, in terms of protecting women's rights and interests and preventing minors from abusing their marital rights, it is necessary to formulate stricter and more complete laws and regulations to ensure that the rights and interests of young people are not violated.
Combined with the view that high bride price, car, and house are the highest thresholds for marriage, this social phenomenon reflects the importance of material conditions in marriage. In some cases, high bride price, vehicles and real estate become prerequisites for marriage, which not only increases the financial burden of the marriage, but can also lead to marital instability, especially in a socially stressful environment. Therefore, while discussing lowering the legal age of marriage, it is also necessary to pay attention to and address this social issue in order to promote a healthier and more stable marital relationship.