Chinese Company’s Marriage Ultimatum Sparks Backlash and Legal Controversy
A controversial new policy introduced by Shuntian Chemical Group in Shandong Province, China, has sparked public outrage after it demanded that employees aged 28 to 58 either marry or face dismissal. The policy, which required employees to marry by September, forced those who were unmarried by March to submit a “self-criticism letter,” with those still single by June facing an evaluation. If employees failed to meet the ultimatum, they risked being fired.
China firm withdraws ‘crazy’ marriage deadline plan to fire single, divorced staff https://t.co/AQohwY9BMr
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) February 24, 2025
The company justified the policy by invoking traditional Chinese values, stating that failing to marry was disloyal, unfilial, and unjust. However, the decision quickly garnered widespread condemnation from the public and legal experts alike, who criticized it for being invasive and discriminatory.
Policy Withdrawn After Public Outrage and Government Intervention
Following the backlash, the local human resources and social security bureau conducted an inspection of Shuntian Chemical Group on February 13, which led to the policy being revoked within a day. No employees were fired, and the company publicly apologized for the incident.
The policy’s swift withdrawal came after the Chinese government intervened, noting that it violated several key labor laws. Legal experts emphasized that the policy breached China’s Constitution, particularly the right to marry freely, as well as the Labour Law and Labour Contract Law, which prohibit employers from inquiring about employees’ marital or reproductive plans.
Yan Tian, an associate professor at Peking University Law School, criticized the policy for infringing on personal freedoms. He pointed out that despite such regulations being illegal, practices like asking about marital status or future children plans remain widespread in Chinese workplaces.
Public Backlash and Online Reaction
The controversial policy ignited a flurry of online debate, with many expressing their anger over the company’s intrusion into private lives. Social media users were vocal in their condemnation, with one writing, “This crazy company should mind its own business and stay away from employees’ personal lives.” Another user sarcastically remarked, “Let them go ahead and fire people. Those affected can just apply for arbitration and get a hefty compensation.”
In addition to concerns about personal privacy, some questioned the future implications of the policy, speculating whether the company would next punish married employees for not having children. The situation prompted a larger discussion about the growing pressure to conform to traditional expectations in Chinese society, particularly around marriage and family.
China’s Declining Marriage Rates and Government Efforts to Reverse the Trend
This controversy comes at a time when China is grappling with a sharp decline in marriage rates. In 2023, the number of marriages in the country dropped to 6.1 million, marking a 20.5% decrease from the previous year’s figure of 7.68 million. This decline is part of a broader trend of fewer Chinese citizens choosing to marry, largely due to economic pressures, changing social norms, and increasing individualism.
Despite the falling marriage rate, China experienced a notable increase in birth rates in 2024, with 9.54 million newborns recorded—an uptick from previous years. Experts suggest that the increase in births may be tied to cultural factors, such as the belief that having children in the Year of the Dragon brings good fortune. Demographer He Yafu, from the YuWa Population Research Institute, pointed out that many families are choosing to have children during this auspicious year.
In response to the decline in marriage and birth rates, some local governments have introduced incentives to encourage marriage and family formation. For example, in Shanxi province, a city now offers a reward of 1,500 yuan (US$200) for couples who marry for the first time before turning 35. Despite these efforts, the policy of Shuntian Chemical Group was widely criticized for attempting to impose outdated societal norms on its employees.
The Legal and Ethical Implications of the Marriage Policy
Shuntian Chemical Group’s marriage policy raises significant questions about personal autonomy and workplace discrimination. While traditional values around family life are still influential in China, the policy represents an extreme effort to enforce these values within the corporate setting. Critics argue that it infringes on individual rights and violates labor laws designed to protect employees from unfair treatment based on their marital status.
The company’s actions reflect broader societal pressures in China, where single individuals—particularly those over 30—often face social stigma. However, such policies also highlight the ethical challenges of balancing cultural expectations with individual freedoms. Employers who implement similar policies may risk damaging their reputation, facing legal challenges, and alienating talent in an increasingly diverse and globalized workforce.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity in Chinese Society
The backlash against Shuntian Chemical Group’s marriage ultimatum underscores the tension between traditional Chinese values and modern societal shifts. While marriage and family remain deeply important in Chinese culture, there is a growing recognition that individual choice and personal autonomy should not be compromised by workplace policies.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in countries where traditional values are strong, businesses must navigate the complex terrain of employee rights, personal privacy, and cultural expectations. As China’s demographic challenges continue, it is crucial for employers to adopt policies that respect both the laws of the land and the evolving attitudes of their workforce.