(Yicai Global) Sept. 28 -- China's declining birthrate is partly explainable by more individualistic views of the society, a renowned Chinese sociologist Li Yinhe said in an interview with CBNWeekly. The 66-year-old former professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences started a podcast called Li Yinhe Talks About Love on audio-sharing application Himalaya FM this month.

CBNWeekly: What changes surprise you in your research areas?

Li Yinhe: "I feel surprised that Chinese people are less willing to have children. I felt a tension between China's family planning and families' demands when I was writing Fertility and the Chinese Village Culture in the 1990s. I thought having children is the most deep-rooted value in the Chinese family. However, many Chinese are not willing to have children nowadays."

CBNWeekly: Have you ever wondered why?

Li: "There must be many reasons. Economic development and improved education; these are sociologically accepted attributions. Another reason is that more people are becoming individualistic instead of family-oriented. When having a family is a person's priority, she or he will have children for the sake of the economy or for continuing the family line regardless of personal preference. Others take personal life as their first priority."

C: In China, fandom has emerged as a new type of love. Fans may also be jealous of their idols. What do you think about this?

Li: "It is inhuman... Being a professional idol is a new occupation that refers to young people in the entertainment circle who attract fans with their own charms. They are different from actors or singers. Fans are their clients and feel they are in love with their idols who reveal charm to them. Thus, professional idols are not allowed to be in love with anybody in real life.""If you choose such virtual love is it because you cannot find real love in real life?"

CBNWeekly: Do you think marriage will vanish?

Li: "Intimate relationships will become more diverse. Marriage is indeed declining but it may not vanish. Marriage is best for those who fall in love with each other and want nobody else."

CBNWeekly: Do you think married people need to be each other's soulmates?

Li: "I don't think so. Many people do not marry their soulmates. They and their partners are friends or lovers. I think many married people are not each others' soulmates, but it is likely that they love each other."

C: Is there anything that you believed firmly but doubt now?

Li: "Human society is always progressive."

C: Many people are interested in methodologies and practical skills of love. Can they learn these from your podcast series Li Yinhe Talks About Love?

L: "I suppose not. But these lessons can help people get a basic knowledge of marriage and love. If a person really wants to be in love, she or he should get a sense of love and know what love feels like and what are the chances in getting in love. I'll talk about all of these in my lessons."

CBNWeekly is a business news magazine affiliated to China Business Network which is Yicai Global's parent company.

Editor: Emmi Laine