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

Abstract

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

Romantic involvement and adolescents' academic and psychosocial functioning in Chinese societies

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“…The Chinese culture embeds romantic relationship in the larger frame of family lineage, and adolescents in traditional China entered arranged marriage with partners chosen by family seniors to extend patrilineal family lines instead of realizing individual romantic goals (Riley, 1994). Such values have been challenged since early 20 th century (Xu & Whyte, 1990), but the utilitarian view of romance as precursors leading to marriage and childbearing persists (Blair & Madigan, 2016;Liu, 2018), and Chinese parents remain heavily involved in their children's love lives (Sun, 2012). In addition, Chinese parents and teachers typically hold conservative values towards sex, resulting in lack of access to comprehensive sex education among Chinese adolescents (Cui, Li & Gao, 2001).…”

Gender and the privacy paradox in Chinese college students’ locative dating communication

“…Based on interviews with 19 Chinese college students, I explore how female and male participants use differing privacy management strategies in People Nearby-facilitated locative dating communication. I argue that gender power relations, which already exist in non-digital, heterosexual dating encounters between young Chinese people (Blair & Madigan, 2016), are invoked in locative dating communication as a result of their gendered navigation of the privacy paradox. This reveals how aspects of gender inequality are reproduced in the Chinese context of locative dating communication, by subjecting young Chinese women to greater restrictions when they attempt to capitalize on the dating opportunities offered by People Nearby.…”

Acculturation‐based family conflict: A validation of Asian American Family Conflict Scale among Chinese Americans

“…Moreover, in the past two decades, there have been considerable cultural and institutional changes taking place in original countries for immigrant Asian populations. For example, the behaviors and values of the millennial generation of foreign‐born Chinese parents have been largely influenced by the one‐child policy in China (Blair & Madigan, ), as well as globalization and Westernization (Berman et al, ). Therefore, it is important to investigate whether the factor structure of AAFCS, a measurement developed around 1999, is still appropriate to measure the attitudes and practices of acculturation among current Chinese immigrant populations.…”