Passage 3
Questions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage.
In today's Japan,a quarter of adults aged 20 to 49 are single.Many of them stilllive with their parents and depend on them for livelihood.These adult children are commonly referred to as “parasite singles”.
Elderly parents are increasingly feeling the financial burden.Parasite singles' unmarried status and lack of independence cause a significant strain on their parents' quality of life.Although they are in their golden years,possibly 20%of residents aged 60 and over help support their children and grandchildren.
So,why is this phenomenon of dependence commonplace throughout Japan?Aren't young people excited to live life freely?Surprisingly,the answer may be "not so much."In recent history,there has been a break-down in economic equality,leading to drastically different lives among social classes.As such,an emphasis on the individual and educational competition has increased.And parents strive to place heir children in better schools.Naturally,this kind of environment lends itself to helicopter parenting(鸡娃).Helicopter parents in Japan are controlling and aggressive.They focus too much on the details of their children's lives;some become involved to such an extent that,according to psychologists, they rob a child of his sense of dependency.Furthermore,it seems these parents do little to help their child confront real-world challenges,negatively affecting their chances of adulthood success.
Bad economy plays another big role.Parasite singles just lack economic opportunities. Due to an aging and increasingly expensive middle-aged working-class,fewer full-time positions are available for younger employees.While unemployment is low for workers aged 45-54,the figure is multiples higher for recent graduates.Although job outlooks are poor, conservative Japanese society shifts the blame on to the parasite singles themselves.Single adult children are seen as lazy and self-indulgent.The truth is that they are underwhelmed by the lack of economic stability and stressful work situations.
Many young men remain single as they have low annual salaries and hold traditional views regarding household duties.On the other hand,women,who are increasingly joining the workforce,are less interested in marrying men with low wages and little desire to share the housework.
Considering all of these potential stressors,it's hardly surprising that young adults are uninterested in leaving the nest (安乐窝).For the most part,they live comfortable lives at home and,by and large,are uninterested in dating someone who“doesn't meet their conditions.”
问题12:Which is the reason why the Japanese men stay unmarried?