Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "quarter-life crisis," particularly how Generation Z is experiencing heightened levels of despair compared to older generations, challenging the traditional notion of mid-life crisis [2][3][4]. Group 1: Psychological Health of Young Workers - Research indicates that the mental health of young workers, especially those aged 12-25, has significantly declined, with young women being particularly affected [3][4]. - The study highlights a direct correlation between young people's despair and labor market dynamics, suggesting that young workers are facing unprecedented challenges [4][5]. - The traditional "hump-shaped" curve of despair, which peaks in middle age, has shifted, showing that despair levels are now decreasing with age, particularly among those under 40 [6][7]. Group 2: Economic and Social Factors - The increase in despair among young workers is attributed to various socio-economic factors, including job instability, reduced worker autonomy, and rising living costs [9][10]. - The research suggests that the crisis began shortly after the Great Recession, around 2012-2014, and is exacerbated by the rise of the gig economy [9][10]. - Data shows that approximately 289 million young people globally are neither gaining work experience nor enhancing their skills through education or training, limiting their economic prospects [10]. Group 3: Global Implications - The findings have garnered international attention, with the United Nations engaging in discussions about the global crisis facing young workers [18][19]. - The article emphasizes that the despair among young workers is not merely a psychological issue but also an economic emergency, necessitating urgent attention from policymakers [18][19]. - The research indicates a shift in despair from middle-aged individuals to younger generations, marking a significant change in societal trends [18].

中国婚育率的下降趋势已经众所周知。而依据宏观数据，中国人的结婚模式发生巨大变化，是在2010年后。 大家好，我叫刘汶蓉，来自上海社会科学院社会学研究所，一直从事家庭社会学研究。非常高兴今天有机会来这里，和大家分享我关于"大城市青年人的 婚恋趋势、困境和社会过程"的研究和一些思考。 这是我国的初婚年龄趋势图。我们可以看到2010年之前的曲线相对平滑，2000年到2010年，男女的平均初婚年龄都只上升了0.7岁左右，基本在25岁上 下。但在2010年到2020年这十年间，男女的平均初婚年龄都上涨了近4岁，曲线出现了一个巨大的上扬。 其实关于青年人结婚难、结婚焦虑、晚婚不婚等现象的讨论，已经非常多了。而我希望跟大家分享的是：带入我的代际关系研究，把婚姻关系放在家庭这 个场域中，我们到底怎么去看待青年人这个问题？青年人真的不再向往结婚，也不再向往生育了吗？ 2023年底，我对北京、上海、广州的21～40岁不在读的青年人进行了一项2400份问卷的抽样调查。数据显示，北上广青年人的理想结婚年龄平均为31.5 岁，男女差别不大。这个年龄已经和全球生育洼地日本、韩国的平均初婚年龄基本持平。 一、婚姻价值的变革 结婚年龄的推迟 ...