Young Chinese Women Embrace Fake Maternity Photoshoots for Empowerment
In a quirky trend that has taken China by storm, young women are opting for fake maternity photoshoots to capture the essence of a beautiful pregnancy while they are still at their physical peak. This unusual phenomenon gained national attention in October when Gen Z influencer Meizi Gege, in her early twenties, donned an artificial baby bump for a stunning photoshoot.
Changing Demographics and Social Pressures
China’s one-child policy, which ended in 2015, was implemented to address concerns about an aging population and declining birth rates. However, despite the policy change, birth rates continue to decline, with the average age of first-time mothers rising steadily. In cities like Shanghai, the shift is even more pronounced, with women waiting until their thirties to start a family, leading to a rise in the average childbearing age.
Capturing Youth and Beauty
The trend of fake maternity photoshoots stems from a desire to capture the beauty and youth of pregnancy before the physical changes that come with age. Many young Chinese women feel that by the time they reach their thirties, they may no longer be at their physical prime, prompting them to seek out these unique photoshoot opportunities.
Criticism and Mockery
While some women see these photoshoots as empowering and a celebration of femininity, others view them as perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and promoting body image issues. Critics have mocked the trend, with some suggesting taking photos for significant life events like birthdays or even funerals to maintain a youthful appearance. Despite the controversy, the trend of fake maternity photoshoots continues to gain popularity among young Chinese women.