The country is facing a social time bomb as the number of young singles - mostly men - continues to rise, the China Youth Daily reported yesterday.
In 2005, singles accounted for almost 66 percent of those aged 15 to 29 and more than 45 percent of those aged 15 to 35, a report by the China Youth and Children Research Center and the Renmin University of China showed.
Figures for the equivalent groups in 2000 were 59 percent and 41 percent, respectively, the report, which was based on the national census of 1 percent of the total Chinese population in 2005, said.
In 1995, the corresponding figures were even lower, at 51 percent and 38 percent, respectively.
The report also said that in 2005, almost 73 percent of single men were aged 15 to 29, while 51 percent of them were aged 15 to 35.
The corresponding figures for single women in that year were lower, at 59 percent and almost 40 percent, respectively.
The report also called for more to be done to address the growing number of single men, as it will become more difficult for low-income males to find suitable partners as they get older.
A large number of unmarried men could also cause social problems such as violent acts against women, it said.
Questions:
1. What is the social time bomb that the China Youth Daily reported on?
2. Which two groups conducted the research?
3. What were two of the possible negative ramifications of the growing number of single men?
Answers:
1.The growth in numbers of single, young men.
2.The China Youth and Children Research Center and the Renmin University of China.
3.It will be difficult for low-income males to find suitable partners as they get older; they may also cause social problems such as violent acts against women.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
