TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As the average age of first marriages in Taiwan rises to 31.65 years, neuroscience researchers suggest that decision-making regarding marriage becomes more challenging after age 30. This is due to various factors in life, including financial stability, home ownership, and childbearing.
Increasing Singlehood Rates
Counseling psychologist Yeh Pei-chen (葉北辰) believes that as people mature, particularly after age 25 or 30 as their frontal lobes develop, enabling better planning ability; however, this maturity may lead to unwillingness to get married.
"After 25 or 30 years old, our frontal lobe matures and helps us make better plans. But why are people less willing to marry after they are better at planning? I think it involves many things. Generally, you are less likely to impulsively fall in love and immediately get married," Ye explained.
In Taiwan, modern perceptions of marriage have shifted, with an increasing emphasis on autonomy. Marriage is now viewed as an option, rather than a must on people's life lists, as multiple research have shown.
Emotional education practitioner Chang Shu-yun (張書昀) echoed this sentiment, saying, "This is related to our changing concepts and the rise of self-consciousness. Regarding the choices in our lives, our career development, the things we want to do, and our hobbies, we want to do more. So, for the past generation, marriage was a must, but for the current generation, marriage is just one option in life."
Education, Marriage, and Birth Rates
Moreover, marriage and birth rates vary based on education levels. Those with a university education have the lowest marriage rate at 57.77%, followed by those with a master's degree or higher at 64.88%. Similarly, university graduates have the lowest birth rate at 46.79%, with those holding a master's degree or higher slightly higher at 52.07%.
A 2023 survey on Taiwanese women's autonomy in childbirth revealed that over 60% of women said their willingness to marry was influenced more by their personal desire for marriage than by societal pressures.
As the trend of remaining single appears irreversible, Taiwanese society is balancing the needs of married and child-rearing employees, while also considering the needs of unmarried individuals, truly achieving diversity and inclusivity.
