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For me, the notion of marriage as a symbol of success or fulfillment feels outdated and restrictive.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.
In a stark reminder of China’s persistent territorial overreach, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a woman from Arunachal Pradesh holding an Indian passport, was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport on Nov. 24 last year. Chinese immigration officials allegedly informed her that her passport was “invalid” because she was “Chinese,” refusing to recognize her Indian citizenship and claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. Officials had insisted that Thongdok, an Indian-origin UK resident traveling for a conference, was not Indian despite her valid documents. India lodged a strong diplomatic protest, summoning the Chinese charge d’affaires in Delhi and demanding
Immediately after the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) “Justice Mission” exercise at the end of last year, a question was posed to Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal regarding recent developments involving the exercises around Taiwan, and how he viewed their impact on regional peace and stability. His answer was somewhat perplexing to me as a curious student of Taiwanese affairs. “India closely follows developments across the Indo-Pacific region,” he said, adding: “We have an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, in view of our significant trade, economic, people-to-people, and maritime interests. We urge all concerned
In the past 72 hours, US Senators Roger Wicker, Dan Sullivan and Ruben Gallego took to social media to publicly rebuke the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) over the defense budget. I understand that Taiwan’s head is on the chopping block, and the urgency of its security situation cannot be overstated. However, the comments from Wicker, Sullivan and Gallego suggest they have fallen victim to a sophisticated disinformation campaign orchestrated by an administration in Taipei that treats national security as a partisan weapon. The narrative fed to our allies claims the opposition is slashing the defense budget to kowtow to the Chinese
In a Taipei Times editorial published almost three years ago (“Macron goes off-piste,” April 13, 2023, page 8), French President Emmanuel Macron was criticized for comments he made immediately after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in Beijing. Macron had spoken of the need for his country to find a path on Chinese foreign policy no longer aligned with that of the US, saying that continuing to follow the US agenda would sacrifice the EU’s strategic autonomy. At the time, Macron was criticized for gifting Xi a PR coup, and the editorial said that he had been “persuaded to run
RSS