Why are young women in China choosing karaoke and pets over having children?

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: China faces a historic population decline, and the government is actively campaigning for citizens to marry and start families. Yet, many young Chinese women are opting for a different path, prioritizing personal spending on doggie daycare and social nights over the high financial and social costs of raising children.

For decades, China held the title of the world's most populous nation, but that era is shifting. According to the United Nations, there are now over 8 billion humans on Earth, and China's population is currently in decline. This demographic pivot is so significant that the country may lose its status as the most populous nation as early as this year. Photographer Justin Jin has documented this transition, capturing a generation of women who are increasingly resistant to state-led efforts to boost birth rates.

The decision to forgo motherhood is driven by several factors, most notably the immense cost of raising children in modern China. This financial pressure is evident in the rise of specialized services like private postnatal centers in Hangzhou. These facilities offer new mothers a month of recovery, known as zuo yuezi, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. However, these services come with a steep price tag, often reaching tens of thousands of U.S. dollars, highlighting the economic barriers that make child-rearing a daunting prospect for many.

Instead of traditional family life, many young women are redirecting their resources toward personal fulfillment and social connection. Observations from the field reveal a lifestyle shift where disposable income is spent on experiences such as karaoke nights with friends and the company of male escorts, or on the care of pets through services like doggie daycare. This trend represents a profound departure from societal expectations, illustrating a complex tension between government policy and the personal autonomy of women in a rapidly changing society.

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