Amatonormative pronatalism in East Asia: the limits of marriage-centred policies

Many East Asian countries experiencing birth rate decline strongly enforce the idea that marriage is the moral and legal foundation of childbearing. This has led to the implementation of what I call amatonormative pronatalism—policies aimed at increasing marriage rates to increase birth rates in those countries. I argue that amatonormative pronatalism is problematic both because its efficacy is limited and because it reinforces gender inequalities which are especially burdensome to women. I explore solutions that may help address these current challenges.