Taiwan has seen a big change in how people view marriage, especially among Generation Z. As a member of this generation, I have observed a shift in how we perceive love, commitment and personal fulfillment.
My desire to share my views on marriage stems from Taiwan’s progress in marriage equality and social advancement. In 2019, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, making it increasingly friendly toward same-sex relationships.
Even though I could not vote in the referendum at that time, I still feel very proud because I know this journey was not easy. It followed years of protests, legal battles and advocacy efforts by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. This milestone made me start thinking about what the true essence of marriage really is.
Growing up in Taiwan, I have seen the clash between traditional values and modern ideals play out in my own life and those of my peers. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of marriage and family life is obvious, yet many of us are questioning whether these conventions truly meet our personal desires and aspirations.
For me, the notion of marriage as a symbol of success or fulfillment feels outdated and restrictive. I believe that true happiness comes from pursuing our passions, nurturing personal growth and forming genuine connections with others — whether or not marriage is part of the picture.
The economic realities we face only worsen these tensions. With property prices soaring and job stability being uncertain, it is understandable that many people see the traditional concept of marrying early and starting a family as less feasible and less attractive. Some of my friends are focusing on their jobs and personal growth instead of thinking about marriage in the traditional sense. They think that having financial stability and feeling fulfilled personally are the most important things.
Additionally, the rise in women’s education and job opportunities has gradually freed them from traditional gender roles. With more women pursuing higher education and careers, traditional gender roles are being challenged, leading to relationships based on equality and mutual respect.
I think love and marriage are personal rights for everyone. Decisions about whether to marry, when to marry, who to marry and whether to have children should be seen as personal freedoms.
The rise of dating apps and social media has also reshaped the way we approach relationships. While these platforms offer access to potential partners, they also breed a culture of instant satisfaction and superficial connections. As a result, many of us are redefining what it means to find love in the digital age, seeking deeper connections and meaningful experiences beyond the swipe of a screen.
As Taiwan continues to evolve, so too do our perceptions of marriage and commitment. While some might view this shift as a break from tradition, I see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By challenging societal norms and embracing our individuality, we are trying to find a way for a more open and real approach to love and relationships. The one that celebrates diversity and empowers each of us to live the life we want.
Through my own experiences and conversations with friends and family, I have learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to marriage. Each of us has to find our own way, guided by what we believe in and what we want out of life. Even though there is always pressure to do things a certain way, I am confident that my generation will keep moving forward, finding what marriage means to us and exploring healthier relationship views.
Wu Sih-sian is a student in the Department of International Affairs at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages.
A foreign colleague of mine asked me recently, “What is a safe distance from potential People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force’s (PLARF) Taiwan targets?” This article will answer this question and help people living in Taiwan have a deeper understanding of the threat. Why is it important to understand PLA/PLARF targeting strategy? According to RAND analysis, the PLA’s “systems destruction warfare” focuses on crippling an adversary’s operational system by targeting its networks, especially leadership, command and control (C2) nodes, sensors, and information hubs. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, noted in his 15 May 2025 Sedona Forum keynote speech that, as
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) last week announced that the KMT was launching “Operation Patriot” in response to an unprecedented massive campaign to recall 31 KMT legislators. However, his action has also raised questions and doubts: Are these so-called “patriots” pledging allegiance to the country or to the party? While all KMT-proposed campaigns to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers have failed, and a growing number of local KMT chapter personnel have been indicted for allegedly forging petition signatures, media reports said that at least 26 recall motions against KMT legislators have passed the second signature threshold
The Central Election Commission (CEC) on Friday announced that recall motions targeting 24 Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers and Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao (高虹安) have been approved, and that a recall vote would take place on July 26. Of the recall motions against 35 KMT legislators, 31 were reviewed by the CEC after they exceeded the second-phase signature thresholds. Twenty-four were approved, five were asked to submit additional signatures to make up for invalid ones and two are still being reviewed. The mass recall vote targeting so many lawmakers at once is unprecedented in Taiwan’s political history. If the KMT loses more
In a world increasingly defined by unpredictability, two actors stand out as islands of stability: Europe and Taiwan. One, a sprawling union of democracies, but under immense pressure, grappling with a geopolitical reality it was not originally designed for. The other, a vibrant, resilient democracy thriving as a technological global leader, but living under a growing existential threat. In response to rising uncertainties, they are both seeking resilience and learning to better position themselves. It is now time they recognize each other not just as partners of convenience, but as strategic and indispensable lifelines. The US, long seen as the anchor
RSS