The “DINK” Reality in China
The DINK (dual income, no kids) phenomenon in China involves growing numbers of couples choosing child-free lives for greater personal freedom or because of economic pressures. This trend, known locally as "dingke" (丁克族, Dīng kè zú) has accelerated as China's population declines and it also ages.
In this movement both partners work and choose not to have children. This concept entered China from the West in the 1980s, directly challenging traditional values such as "more children, more blessings" and "carrying on the family line." Behind those factors lie shifting social norms since this was previously seen as an unconventional lifestyle.
China's 2020 census reported about 188 million dual-income, no-children households, comprising nearly 38% of all households, up from 28% a decade earlier (Luoyang Institute study). DINKs exacerbate China's demographic crisis: births fell to 9.54 million in 2024 (half of 2016 levels), marriages hit a record low of 6.1 million in 2024 before a slight 2025 rebound. Population shrinkage threatens China’s economic growth.
This category includes intentional DINKs, those delaying kids, and involuntary childless couples (due to fertility issues). Its concentrations are highest in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. DINKS tend to be mostly highly educated, middle-to-high-income urban professionals. Some are ambivalent "regretful DINKs" who later change their minds. Those born post-90s have become the main demographic discussing DINK, with a rising proportion of men (about 48% of related online posts in 2022).
Early DINKs (1980s-1990s) were influenced by Western ideals of personal freedom and self-fulfilment. 21st century DINKs are less philosophically driven and more economic reality driven. High childcare costs (average ¥538,000 from birth to age 17 - US$78,000 or 6.3 times per capita GDP), workplace pressures (especially fear of harming women’s careers), and the sheer drain on time and energy are the main reasons for not having children. Other DINKS have delayed their marriages, or have joined movements like "lying flat”. Some couples prioritise travel and luxury spending, wanting control over their lives, while rejecting traditional filial piety amid economic uncertainty.
DINKs face challenges in the future. Aging DINKs face potential loneliness and eldercare challenges without family support. Some later are concerned about this unwelcome future and experience a surge of anxiety about not having children, and in some cases end up spending fortunes on fertility treatments.
The first generation of Chinese DINKs have now entered old age, showing the long-term outcomes of this choice. Although DINKs can plan their retirement independently, many worry deeply about end-of-life issues: who will care for them during serious illness, and how to cope with loneliness in old age. Those with ample financial resources enjoy retirement communities and a rich personal life. Others face profound loneliness after their spouse passes away, and encounter practical problems like being unable to get a hospital procedure done because they have no immediate family member to sign the consent form.
The DINK phenomenon in China represents a clash between individual freedom and traditional values. It is a sign of rising social individualism . It is also, as part of the country’s falling birth rate, a major societal concern. Beijing ended the one-child policy in 2016, allowing three children in 2021 and offering subsidies, IVF discounts, housing perks, and matchmaking to boost births. Efforts have shown limited success, as the DINK movement shows,
Pray for the older DINKs that they would find the Lord Jesus, that He might bring new meaning and purpose into their old age.
Pray for younger DINKs that they would carefully consider their decision and their future.
Pray that the church would have both a testimony and a voice into this phenomenon in China.
Source: Los Angeles Times and ThinkChina.
