なぜ現代人は結婚できなくなったのか？【未婚問題と少子化問題】

Summary

The video script delves into the rising trend of unmarried rates in Japan, questioning why people who could once marry are now choosing not to or are unable to do so. It discusses the societal shift from a time when marriage was a social norm to a modern era where it is considered a personal choice, and how this impacts the issue of declining birth rates. The script explores the mismatch between human instincts and modern societal structures, using the example of marriage as a social institution that may distort natural reproductive behaviors. It references 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' to explain how Homo sapiens' success is attributed to their ability to believe in fictions, which has allowed for rapid societal evolution not tied to genetic changes. The video suggests that while the institution of marriage has historically been beneficial for group survival, it may no longer align with individual instincts towards happiness and fulfillment in contemporary society. It concludes by pondering the implications of these changes on the future of society and the potential need for a reevaluation of social structures to address the challenges of declining birth rates and the rise of individualism.

Takeaways

• 📈 The unmarried rate in Japan is continuously rising, with the lifetime unmarried rate for men at about 28% and for women at about 18% as of 2020.
• 👥 The societal premise today is that whether or not to marry is a personal freedom, but this freedom may be at odds with the societal need to address the issue of declining birth rates.
• 🧐 The author suggests that the increase in the number of people choosing not to marry in a freer society might be due to a mismatch between evolved human instincts and modern societal structures.
• 💡 The concept of marriage as a societal institution is not inherently aligned with human instincts for happiness, but rather it has been a mechanism to boost reproduction.
• ⏳ There is aMismatch between human evolutionary instincts and the modern social environment, with examples such as the prevalence of obesity in an environment where food scarcity was once the norm.
• 📚 Reference is made to the book 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari, which discusses how the ability to believe in fiction has been a key factor in the success of the Homo sapiens species.
• 🌐 The strength of Homo sapiens lies in the ability to change rapidly due to the influence of non-genetic, external factors such as social institutions, which can evolve much faster than genetic changes.
• 👫 Marriage, as a social institution, has historically been a mechanism to establish long-term contracts between men and women, balancing the sexual capital differences between them.
• 🚀 The modern questioning of the institution of marriage is a result of increased emphasis on individual freedoms and innate happiness, which may conflict with the traditional structure of marriage.
• 🌱 The author argues that while the move towards valuing individual instincts and happiness is not inherently bad, the decline in birth rates and the potential societal implications are serious concerns that should not be ignored.
• ❓ The script suggests that there is a need to reevaluate societal structures and the role of competition and meritocracy (e.g., business and class systems) in light of their impact on marriage and birth rates, without necessarily reverting to traditional views.

Q & A

What is the current trend in Japan's unmarried rate and why is it a concern?

Japan's unmarried rate is continuously rising, with the lifetime unmarried rate for men around 28% and for women around 18% as of 2020. This is a concern because it's linked to the issue of declining birth rates, which is crucial for the society's sustainability.

Why do some people believe that the unmarried and low birth rate issues are insurmountable?

Many people feel that as society has become more liberal and individuals have more freedom to choose whether to marry, the number of people opting not to marry has increased, making the issues of being unmarried and low birth rates seem insurmountable.

How does the concept of marriage as a social institution conflict with human instincts?

Marriage as a social institution can distort the natural human instincts to reproduce by creating a system that boosts reproduction. It often requires individuals to suppress their natural desires for the sake of long-term partnerships.

What is the author's perspective on the role of social institutions in the success of Homo sapiens?

The author references 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' to argue that Homo sapiens' success was largely due to the ability to believe in fictions, which allowed for rapid societal changes and adaptations without genetic mutations.

How does the author connect the concept of marriage to the broader theme of social structures versus human instincts?

The author suggests that while marriage may go against certain human instincts, it was a social structure that historically helped groups survive. However, in modern times, there's a shift towards valuing individual freedom and instincts over such structures.

What is the author's view on the future of marriage and social structures in relation to human instincts?

The author believes that as society progresses towards valuing individual freedom and instincts more, traditional social structures like marriage, which may conflict with these instincts, are likely to be questioned and evolve.

Why does the author argue that the success of Homo sapiens is not due to traits like tool use or learning ability?

The author posits that traits like tool use and learning ability, often attributed to the success of Homo sapiens, were also present in other human species like Neanderthals. Instead, the ability to believe in and propagate fictions is highlighted as the key factor.

What is the significance of the author's discussion on the potential decline of society due to the rejection of social structures?

The author suggests that the strength of Homo sapiens lies in social structures that can evolve rapidly, independent of genetic change. The rejection of these structures in favor of individual instincts could lead to societal decline and is a complex issue that needs careful consideration.

How does the author address the issue of declining birth rates in the context of modern society?

The author acknowledges that while declining birth rates are a concern, they also represent a shift towards a society that values individual happiness and freedom. The challenge is to find a balance that sustains society without compromising on these values.

What is the author's stance on the role of meritocracy and competition in the decline of marriage rates?

The author suggests that meritocracy and competition, by making individual abilities and success more visible, can lead to fewer people getting married, as it goes against the natural human instinct for variety and could lead to more selective mating.

How does the author propose addressing the issues of unmarried rates and low birth rates without reverting to traditional views on marriage?

The author does not explicitly propose a solution but hints at the need for a new understanding and approach that respects individual freedom and rights while also considering the societal implications of these trends.

What is the author's view on the role of liberal values in the context of the changing landscape of marriage and birth rates?

The author sees liberal values, which often emphasize diversity and individual freedom, as both a cause for the shift away from traditional marriage and a reflection of a more natural state of affairs where individual instincts are respected.