Several significant papers and videos published in discuss the imbalance in China's sex ratio, focusing on its causes, recent downward trends, and socioeconomic impacts. Key Academic Papers (2021) Recent Sex Ratio at Birth in China : Published in BMJ Global Health
in May 2021, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) trend from 2000 to 2020. It notes that while the SRB remained high at around 120 boys per 100 girls for a decade, it began to decline toward more normal levels between 2010 and 2020. Addressing Skewed Sex Ratio at Birth in China : This February 2021 article in Springer Nature
reviews the historical causes of the skewed ratio, such as son preference and family planning policies, and discusses the ongoing governance challenges. Sex Ratios and Mental Health : Published in ScienceDirect
, this paper examines how the imbalanced marriage market negatively affects the mental health of Chinese men, particularly in terms of increased depression risk among fathers with sons. Sex and the Chinese Economy : A May 2021 publication from Columbia Business School
argues that the sex ratio imbalance contributes to high savings rates and trade surpluses, as men must compete more aggressively in the marriage market. Springer Nature Link Notable Videos (2021) China's Gender Imbalance (WION/Gravitas) video report chinese sex ratio video 2021
from February 2021 highlights how decades of the one-child policy created a massive gender gap, making it difficult for millions of men to find wives. Single People and the Gender Gap May 2021 video
discusses the 200 million single people in China, exploring the link between the gender gap and the growing number of young people choosing to remain single. Summary of 2021 Findings
Addressing skewed sex ratio at birth in China - Springer Nature
Finally, the most futuristic ratio came from the tech sector. In 2021, apps offering "virtual lovers" saw a user growth ratio of 300%. Platforms like Glow (an AI chat bot) reported that the ratio of time spent talking to an AI vs. a real human swiped on Tantan (China’s Tinder) tipped toward AI for users under 25. Several significant papers and videos published in discuss
The statistic: For every 10 hours a young urbanite spent swiping on dating apps, they spent 15 hours curating a "romantic storyline" with a customizable AI character. This reflects a growing risk aversion in real-world dating—virtual romance offers a perfect ratio of intimacy (100%) to risk (0%).
To understand the romance of 2021, you have to understand the pressure cooker it existed within. The term "ratio" often referred to the sex ratio imbalance—a legacy of the one-child policy and cultural son-preference that left millions more men than women in the population.
By 2021, the demographic chickens had come home to roost.
This demographic backdrop fueled a specific anxiety in 2021 relationships: Transactional Love. The "ratio" made people quantify themselves. Dating apps and matchmakers reduced people to data points—height, income, hukou (household registration), and property ownership. The question wasn't just "Do I love you?" but "Do our ratios match?" The "Bride Shortage": With roughly 30 million more
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In China, 2021 was a year of recalibration. From the soaring divorce rates in major cities to the algorithmic success of "sweet and torturous" (虐恋) dramas, the "ratio" of how people connect, fall apart, and love again underwent a visible shift. Whether it was the statistics emerging from民政局 (Marriage Registries) or the viewership data on streaming platforms like Tencent and iQiyi, 2021 told a story of realpolitik in romance.
Here is a breakdown of the key ratios that defined relationships and romantic storylines in China in 2021.
You cannot discuss 2021 relationships without the "Three-Child Policy," announced in May of that year.
This policy shifted the "ratio" conversation from marriage to parenthood. The romantic storyline of 2021 was heavily impacted by the state's narrative. Suddenly, a couple’s love story wasn't just about them; it was expected to culminate in a family of five.
This led to a subtle rise in "DINK" (Double Income, No Kids) representation on social media. Young couples on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) began posting romantic travel vlogs and "just the two of us" lifestyles, subtly rebelling against the narrative that a relationship is only valid if it produces offspring.