High living costs and debt are some of the reasons that Chinese Gen Y and Z couples are putting off having children, leading to one of the world’s lowest fertility rates. As more people openly discuss these issues on social media, they’re fighting against the stigma of ‘leftover women’.

Why are young people blending age-old herbal treatments with Western wellness? Who’s most likely to pay with digital yuan? And what challenges do ‘leftover women’ face? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Chinese people in 2020.

Apple has released a short film in celebration of the Year of the Rat, depicting the struggles of being a single mother in China. The spot highlights the cultural pressure that women often face to get married and explores the evolving meaning of family in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen women dropping out (or being forced out) of the workforce in record numbers. What are the reasons behind this shift and how might they affect gender equality in the long run? Additionally, how can brands support mothers as they strive to find success and balance?