Individualization as an Ambition

Mapping the Dating Landscape in Beijing

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5819530
AutoresXiying Wang (0000-0001-6752-2266, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China), Daniel Nehring (0000-0002-5346-6301, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea)
Ano2013
Volume40
Fascículo6
Páginas578-604
Data de publicação2013-12-26
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoModern China (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0097-7004 • E-ISSN: 1552-6836
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0097700413517618
OpenAlexW2024569819
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas15
Referências citadas18

This article considers cultural hierarchies that may shape practices of dating and partner choice among young women and men in contemporary Beijing. Our research is mainly based on 43 in-depth interviews conducted in Beijing over the past six years. The distinction between Beijingers and waidiren (lit., outsiders) here serves as a framework to examine the cultural and socioeconomic differentiation of dating practices. We further complicate this framework by highlighting the internal heterogeneity of waidiren, including four groups: college students, New Beijingers, young professionals without Beijing hukou, and rural migrant laborers. We argue that our participants' narratives reflect a desire for autonomous partner choice and fulfilling love relationships; we also demonstrate how the hukou system, competition in the neoliberal market place, differential access to education, and the rural-urban division may interact to create opportunities and obstacles for young people's personal choices. Drawing on recent work by Yan Yunxiang (2009, 2010), our analysis further substantiates arguments about the individualization of contemporary Chinese society

China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Sex work and related issues

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