心理观察｜当年轻人选择不婚不育，70后父母为何集体“放手”

Core Insights - The article discusses the significant shift in attitudes of parents born in the 1970s towards their children's marriage and childbearing choices, moving from intervention to acceptance and support [1][2][3] Group 1: Changes in Parental Attitudes - The marriage registration numbers in China have dropped to 1.81 million pairs in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 15.9% compared to the previous year, indicating a trend of young people choosing not to marry or have children [1] - A survey by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences reveals that 63% of 70s parents have significantly reduced their interference in their children's lives over the past five years, with this figure rising to 78% in first-tier cities [2] - Economic factors are a primary catalyst for this change, with the cost of raising a child estimated at approximately 538,000 yuan, while the average disposable income for residents in 2024 is projected to be 41,300 yuan [2] Group 2: Psychological Mechanisms Behind the Shift - The transition from a sense of responsibility to respecting children's autonomy reflects a broader societal change, with parents increasingly valuing their children's personal choices over traditional expectations [3] - Many parents have experienced a psychological process of moving from hope to disappointment regarding their children's marriage prospects, leading to a state of "learned helplessness" and a strategic retreat from traditional pressures [3] - As 70s parents approach retirement, they are re-evaluating their life goals, often finding new interests and social activities that divert their focus from their children's marital status [3] Group 3: Transformation of Family Dynamics - The shift from a vertical authority structure to a horizontal partnership model in family relationships is evident, with communication evolving from one-way guidance to two-way negotiation [4] - The boundaries of parental roles are being redefined, with children's marriage choices now seen as personal matters, and parents adopting a supportive rather than a decision-making role [5] - This transformation is particularly pronounced in first-tier cities, where approximately 70% of families practicing "letting go" report higher satisfaction in parent-child relationships compared to traditional models [5] Group 4: Implications of the Shift - The collective "letting go" of 70s parents may reduce family conflicts related to marriage and childbearing, promote equality in intergenerational relationships, and create space for new family models [5][6] - However, some parents may experience feelings of loneliness due to excessive detachment, highlighting the need for new intergenerational support systems [5][6] - This phenomenon represents an adaptive adjustment of Chinese families to societal changes, reflecting both economic pressures and profound shifts in values [6]