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

Abstract

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.

Attachments to Mother, Father, and Romantic Partner as Predictors of Life Satisfaction

“…However, clearly parental influence does not stop magically once children turn 18. Adult children continue to have relationships with their parents, and these relationships might well (as suggested by the present findings) have important effects on their lifes (e.g., Blair and Madigan, 2019). The present findings can hopefully help highlight the importance of studying child-parent attachments beyond childhood and into adulthood.…”

Cohabitation in the Southern Cone: Recent Evolution, Associated Factors and Convergence

“…It seems likely that the process leading toward greater importance of individual over collective decisions, a transition from pre, to postmaterialism, is reflected in the coexistence of traditional with more modern forms of nuptiality. In Blair and Madigan (2019) and Blair et al (2022), it is noted that while parental mate selection for their children has been superseded, mate selection choices are not entirely made by the individuals themselves. There would be a stage in which materialistic values prior to the STD process continue to operate and prevail, although they tend to fade over time.…”

Seeking Soulmate via Voice: Understanding Promises and Challenges of Online Synchronized Voice-Based Mobile Dating

“…While dating apps are widely accepted and popular for seeking relationships in Western countries [10], they often encounter a less favorable reputation in non-Western societies, where negative perceptions about these platforms are prevalent [8,25]. This reputational disparity can lead to heightened privacy concerns and a greater tendency to conceal one's personal identity.…”

“…In non-Western countries, users of MDAs often grapple with heightened privacy concerns due to societal stigmatization and family cultural pressures [8]. To address these concerns and reduce uncertainty about potential romantic partners, users employ strategies to verify the credibility of their matches [21].…”

“…Even after marriage, some couples formed through MDAs might opt to conceal the origin of their relationship to avoid gossip and potential social stigma. These concerns underscore the challenges and hazards inherent in the intersection of modern technology and deeply entrenched cultural norms in China [8]. By opting for voice-based dating, users can significantly mitigate the risk of being recognized through personal images, potentially enhancing their sense of security and comfort on MDAs.…”