Dating attitudes and behaviors of American and Chinese college students

Tang, Shengming; Zuo, Jian

doi:10.1016/s0362-3319(99)00066-x

Cited by 39 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Chinese parents, as would be expected, tend to discourage such choices, and particularly early sexual activity (Stevenson and Zusho, ). Such distinctions suggest that a generational divide may exist, as the majority of young adults in China have been shown to regard premarital sex as normative (Tang and Zuo, ), while their parents view it as being undesirable and shameful (Whyte, ). Indeed, while parents may regard their unmarried adult children as having failed if they do not find a spouse, increasing numbers of young adults do not view marriage as essential to having a happy life (Gaetano, ; Whyte, ).…”

Section: Dating Mate Selection and Marriagementioning

confidence: 99%

Dating, Marriage, and Parental Approval: An Examination of Young Adults in China

Blair

Madigan

2019

Social Science Quarterly

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Objectives Within Chinese culture, filial piety has long been a central aspect of families and family life, stipulating that children are obligated to their families, and adherence to parental authority is absolutely expected. Given the extent of societal change in China, it is important to assess the relative influence of filial piety upon young adults. Method Using a sample of young adult women and men, survey responses were analyzed to examine how willing daughters and sons are to date or marry someone without parental approval. Results Males were shown to be significantly more willing to go against parental approval compared to females. Familial characteristics were more likely to influence males' willingness to date without parental approval, while females were strongly influenced by their individual characteristics, and particularly those related to the qualities they desired in a partner. Conclusions Although a significant portion of young adults stated their willingness to comply with their parents’ wishes, a large portion did not. Cultural and economic factors may be affecting adherence to filial piety. The results are discussed within the developmental paradigm.

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Section: Dating Mate Selection and Marriagementioning

confidence: 99%

Dating, Marriage, and Parental Approval: An Examination of Young Adults in China

Blair

Madigan

2019

Social Science Quarterly

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“…While there is no clear definition of what is an appropriate age for individuals to begin dating, those who begin dating at early ages will typically have to cope with the opposition of parents (Wu 1996). Nonetheless, there is widespread acceptance that dating is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese youth (Tang and Zuo 2000).…”

Section: Dating and Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While dating and sexual activity among Chinese college students have been previously noted by researchers (e.g., Xu 1994), comparatively less is known about the attitudes and expectations of youth concerning these behaviors. In regard to premarital sex, for example, some studies have reported that 86 % of respondents approve of it (see Tang and Zuo 2000), while other studies have noted that vast majority of men want their brides to be virgins at the time of marriage (Ji 1990).…”

Section: Dating and Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dating attitudes and expectations among young Chinese adults: an examination of gender differences

Blair

Madigan

2016

J. Chin. Sociol.

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While researchers have long examined the dating and mate selection patterns among young adults, the vast majority have utilized Western samples. In order to further our understanding of the changing nature of dating behaviors and attitudes, this study examines a sample of young Chinese adults and focuses upon the gender differences therein. Using a foundation of social exchange theory, the analyses illustrate the differences between the dating attitudes and expectations of Chinese women and men. Per traditional expectations, both sexes place a low priority on sexual behaviors, yet more progressive attitudes and behaviors are also evident. Women, in particular, appear to be more focused on pragmatic qualities in prospective partners. The influence of individualist values and the changing cultural norms pertaining to dating and familial roles are discussed.Dating and romantic relationships are a normal, yet essential, part of life during the adolescent and early adult years. Beyond the basic desires which most individuals experience during this time, researchers have noted the relative significance of dating, not only for individuals but also for societies. The initiation and maintenance of intimate, romantic relationships have been linked with improved physical and emotional well-being, stronger perceptions of community attachment, and better developmental outcomes for the individuals (e.g., Amato 2010; Braithwaite et al. 2010;Proulx et al. 2007). During adolescence and the early adult years, dating enhances identity formation for individuals and provides socialization experiences which are necessary to forming and maintaining intimate and interpersonal relationships in life (Chen et al. 2009). Although researchers have directed their efforts toward a better understanding of the dynamics of dating and partner selection, focusing upon the influence of such elements as the family environment (e.g., parental divorce, parental marital quality, parent-child relationships), peer relationships, and community factors (Bryant and Conger 2002;Cui and Fincham 2010;Yoshida and Busby 2012), the majority of studies focusing upon dating and romantic relationships have utilized samples of Western youth.In China, marriage and family life continues to be a central element within Chinese culture, with adolescents and young adults typically assuming that they will eventually find a partner. What is lacking, however, is a broader understanding of how contemporary Chinese youth view dating and intimate relationships. Researchers have noted

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“…The Chinese also possess less permissive views toward dating and sexuality. Tang and Zuo's (2000) cross-cultural study found that Chinese college students generally possess less open-minded attitudes toward dating, date less frequently, tend to date at an later age, and are less likely to have sex in their encounters than do their American counterparts.…”

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confidence: 95%

Culture and Sexual Self-Disclosure in Intimate Relationships

2013

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Sexual self-disclosure is one of the most intimate forms of self-disclosure. Yet, there is surprisingly little research on this topic compared to the voluminous research that exists on self-disclosure (in general). This is particularly surprising since sexual self-disclosure has been found to be correlated with sexual and marital satisfaction (Byers & Demmons, 2010). Conversations about sex have also been found to be critical in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, expressing sexual consent, and sexual desires and satisfaction (Faulkner & Lannutti, 2010). Nor have scholars investigated the impact of culture on people's willingness to engage in sexual self-disclosure. In this paper, we will review current theorizing as to the extent to which culture and gender might be expected to influence young people's willingness to sexually self-disclose, and suggest possible directions that future research might take.

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Dating attitudes and behaviors of American and Chinese college students

Cited by 39 publications

References 5 publications

Dating, Marriage, and Parental Approval: An Examination of Young Adults in China

Dating, Marriage, and Parental Approval: An Examination of Young Adults in China

Dating attitudes and expectations among young Chinese adults: an examination of gender differences

Culture and Sexual Self-Disclosure in Intimate Relationships

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