Trained for the great farewell: The young Chinese betting their futures on a still-stigmatised trade
Long shadowed by taboo, funeral studies are drawing young people in China as an ageing population fuels demand - but the stable careers many are counting on are far from guaranteed.
SHANGHAI: The taboo surrounding funerals in China is gradually fading as young people are drawn to the trade due to its promising job prospects amidst an ageing population. Wei Binjie, born on April 4, 2008, scored 444 points in the national college entrance exam, a number considered unlucky in Chinese culture. Despite this coincidence, he chose funeral studies at Sanmenxia College of Social Administration, his fourth preference, despite his family's opposition.
The industry is growing due to a labour shortage and an ageing population, projected to see 19 million deaths annually by 2061. However, the field faces challenges, with only 23 funeral service institutions nationwide employing around 96,000 people. Only 1,000 students graduate annually from the five funeral-related degree programmes, leaving a significant shortfall of skilled workers.
Despite the stigma, young people are optimistic about the industry's future, finding it a viable option for stable employment.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
