Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2019
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Advisor(s)
Yiju Huang, Ph.D.
Abstract
The marital relationship in China takes on its own definitions and expectations as a result of significant research of the tradition, parental hierarchy, and the moral expectations of society. Different time periods in China obtain varied and distinctive practices on marriage and the choice of spouse. From the absolute parents arranged marriage to the gaining of the individuality through nationalism within marriage, the modern Chinese marital relationship correspondingly conveys a combination of free love relating to how society impacts the relationship. This thesis explores the history and formation of the current trend of Chinese marriage practices and provides a comprehensive understanding of how the free love narrative in China is constructed as well as operated. The attributing and reasoning through parental hierarchy grounded in Confucianism framework and individuality liberation engendered from the May Fourth Movement in a nationalist way, this thesis will explain the complexity of the Chinese marital relationship and help readers comprehend the union of individualism and collectivism within Chinese marital relationships. The case study of marriage markets, online cheating activities in China will be the up-to-date instances that intend to exemplify and examine the coexistence of individuality and societal association in Chinese free love's context.
Recommended Citation
Wang, Xinyun, "The Peculiarity of Chinese Marital Relationships: Parental Hierarchy and Societal Expectation" (2019). Senior Theses. 19.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/international_senior/19
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons