Future Marriage Tiers
A New Paradigm for Commitment in 2050
Future of Marriage Tiers is a speculative design project that reimagines marital structures in response to the evolving fluidity of human relationships. By deconstructing the conventional binary model, this framework introduces four progressive tiers of partnership—Paper Marriage (trial union), Wood Marriage (domestic alliance), Ceramic Marriage (resource integration), and Gold Marriage (lifetime commitment)—each with tailored legal and social provisions.
This systemic innovation employs modular design principles to reconcile the tension between individualized commitment flexibility and institutional rigidity. At its core, the project transforms marriage from a linear narrative into a customizable relational pathway—preserving institutional safeguards while providing diverse forms of intimate collaboration in future societies.
《未来婚姻制度》是一项探讨未来社会关系的概念设计，通过重构婚姻制度回应当代亲密关系的流动性需求。该体系将传统二元对立的婚姻模式解构为四个渐进式契约层级——纸婚（短期试验性结合）、木婚（基础生活同盟）、陶婚（深度资源整合）及金婚（传统终身承诺），每个层级对应差异化的法律权益与社会保障。这种制度创新试图探讨个体化社会中承诺弹性与制度刚性之间的矛盾，将线性婚姻叙事转变为可自定义的关系发展，既保留制度保障功能，又为多元化的情感实践提供了框架。
In 2050, the traditional concept of marriage has undergone a radical transformation. Society has moved away from the historical model of an immediate lifelong commitment, instead embracing a more fluid and customizable approach to deep human connections. This shift has given rise to a tiered marriage system, designed to accommodate varying levels of commitment and offer corresponding benefits and responsibilities.
The new marriage policy introduces four distinct tiers: Paper Marriage; Wood Marriage; Ceramic Marriage and Gold Marriage.
Each tier represents a different stage of commitment, allowing couples to progress through levels of intimacy and shared responsibility at their own pace. This innovative system recognizes the complex nature of modern relationships and provides a framework for unions to evolve organically over time.
The new marriage policy introduces four distinct tiers: Paper Marriage; Wood Marriage; Ceramic Marriage and Gold Marriage.
Each tier represents a different stage of commitment, allowing couples to progress through levels of intimacy and shared responsibility at their own pace. This innovative system recognizes the complex nature of modern relationships and provides a framework for unions to evolve organically over time.
The Paper Marriage is the initial stage where two or more individuals apply to form a family unit. Each member receives a paper ring and a ring box with four slots from the government. This stage grants legal recognition but with limited responsibilities, obligations, and social benefits. However, infidelity can lead to compensation claims from other members. If children are involved, their upbringing is monitored and guided by relevant government agencies. After one year, members can apply to upgrade to the next tier, and will be mandatory for families with children.
The Wood Marriage tier unlocks additional obligations, rights, and social benefits. 25% of each member's income becomes joint family property. Foreign members gain eligibility for permanent residency. Housing subsidies are provided. After four years, they can apply for the next upgrade.
The Ceramic Marriage tier brings further expanded obligations, rights, and benefits. 100% of income becomes joint family property, and tax benefits are granted.
After 25 years of marriage, the Gold Marriage tier is awarded with a government-issued precious metal ring, granting more extensive social benefits like additional tax exemptions.
The Wood Marriage tier unlocks additional obligations, rights, and social benefits. 25% of each member's income becomes joint family property. Foreign members gain eligibility for permanent residency. Housing subsidies are provided. After four years, they can apply for the next upgrade.
The Ceramic Marriage tier brings further expanded obligations, rights, and benefits. 100% of income becomes joint family property, and tax benefits are granted.
After 25 years of marriage, the Gold Marriage tier is awarded with a government-issued precious metal ring, granting more extensive social benefits like additional tax exemptions.