One social pattern that often indicates a developed country is young singles delaying marriage to pursue their careers. Women especially have been fortifying their status by postponing the transition into housewife, previously the only viable career path. However, whereas in most countries women view this newfound freedom positively, in China single women (and men) are finding themselves consumed by depression in their "old age." By the time Chinese singles reach 27 (for women) or 30 (for men) they are considered "leftovers" in the dating market. I was particularly surprised to read this article and notice the stark difference between Chinese and American attitudes. In Western culture people get married and remarried well into their 40's and sometimes even older. I also found it peculiar that it was suggested that the government is responsible for providing "matchmaking activities" for these individuals. This seems to be a throwback to traditional China, when matchmakers were quite popular. The internal struggle currently experienced by young, unmarried Chinese is, in my opinion, an indication that society is trying to modernize but traditional attitudes (and parents) seem to be putting up road blocks. Enjoy!
This blog is meant to be a space for the Austin College community to discuss issues related to China and the Chinese language. For author permissions, please write to Dr. Jennifer Thackston Johnson: jtj.at.ac –at- gmail.com. Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas.
Interesting read. When I was living in Shanghai I remember happening upon a gathering of grandparents in one of the city's parks. They were all wearing signs around their necks describing their single grandchildren. They wandered about, reading each others' signs, trying to make a match. A lot of anthropologists are studying the social effects of the one child policy right now, and one of the jokes is that the "one child" policy is really the "you must have one child" policy. Desperation to marry is high, and spending on fertility drugs by women who married later because of career demands is through the roof.
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