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A swimming club in Jiangsu province, has sparked controversy for only allowing women under 45 with a bachelor’s degree to register as members. The 2049 International Swimming and Diving Training Centre promoted this exclusive membership on the local listing app Dazhong Dianping, offering bimonthly memberships for “knowledgeable ladies” at 576 yuan (US$80).
The club's management justified the rule by claiming that educated individuals possess a higher IQ, better personal qualities, and a stronger understanding of social order. This, they argued, would ensure the safety of all members, especially since the club's lockers do not have locks. According to a staff member, restricting membership to high-quality individuals would help maintain a secure environment.
Opened in 2017, the club was designed as a women-only facility, offering group swimming and diving classes exclusively for women, though one-on-one lessons are available to men. Women-only gyms have been increasingly popular in China’s major cities, providing spaces free from male gaze and harassment. However, the club's educational requirement and gender-based restrictions have drawn mixed reactions.
Many online commenters criticized the club’s policies. One Weibo user questioned, "Do I need a bachelor’s degree just to swim?" Another added, "Better education doesn’t guarantee better morals." However, some supported the club’s right to set its own rules, with one user stating, "A business can choose its customers just as customers can choose businesses, as long as the rules are legal."
Despite some support, the club’s policy has raised legal concerns. Liu Jian, a lawyer from Jiangsu Zhenyu Law Firm, suggested that the club may be violating the Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers, which ensures customers’ rights to fair treatment. In response, the local culture, sports, and tourism bureau requested the club to remove the restrictive membership rules. They also recommended that the club design its activities and slogans more carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
Source: SCMP
