Compare and Contrast Essay on Chinese and American Marriages

Introduction

Marriage is a crucial component of the social customs of most cultures. It marks an important point in a person's life whereby they are expected to start a family and live independently. Various cultures have different marriage customs as a result of differing cultural backgrounds. These customs have gradually changed as human civilization and society continue to develop. This essay compares and contrasts marriage in the larger United States with that of China.

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It is worth looking at how dating and relationships are conducted in the two cultures. The Chinese dating scene is less casual when compared to American courtship, and this has something to do with China's history and conservative culture. Studies and education in China are taken quite seriously, and high school life is usually the busiest for teenagers. In fact, dating before college is disapproved by many families as it is seen as a distraction from learning responsibilities. Consequently, the Chinese are generally not comfortable with casual dating and are usually more serious when getting into intimate relationships. In contrast, the American dating scene is so casual to the extent that couples will date as a way of getting to know each other better. More often than not, young people in China date in an attempt to get into a steady or serious relationship (Guo, 123).

Most Chinese people and westerners do want to settle down with marriage on their minds. However, Americans are usually not in a hurry to do so and are usually more open to marrying later in life. It is evident that they perceive marriage as something that can happen at any time and is often not a priority for them. On the other hand, the Chinese are subject to a societal ticking clock, particularly for women. For instance, women are expected to get married while in their early and mid-twenties. There is even a derogatory term used to refer to a woman who is unmarried by the age of 27. Such negativity is influenced by the Chinese culture that depicts marriage as a crucial part of an individual's stability. Family members are known to persuade and pressurize unmarried relatives to marry while they are still in their twenties. Families in the United States are less pushy on this matter (Yu &Yu, 1870).

The customs of each culture greatly influences various attitudes towards marriage. Confucianism happens to be the foundation of traditional Chinese culture. Hence, its influence on attitudes towards kinship and marriage just cannot be ignored. Notable Confucian doctrines include men being expected to pay filial piety to brothers and parents, and people showing respect and obedience to authority. These two doctrines have a significant influence on how Chinese people perceive marriage and family. Their culture emphasizes family as the pillar of social stability. If a young couple unites and starts a family, it is seen as stabilizing the society. Marriage is meant for two main reasons: siring children and attracting various benefits for the family in accordance with the traditional Chinese culture.

Many marital unions in China are matched with the couple's socio-economic position. Among the most crucial factors put into consideration when parents try to consent a marriage is whether the two families have a similar background. In fact, many marriages that occurred a few decades ago were arranged by parents and other close relatives. Once a couple gets married, they tend to adopt varying attitudes towards each other. The husband usually holds a dominant rank and is considered the head of the family.

From most Americans' point of view, people get into marriages for two reasons. One is because the two are truly in love with each other. The other is for a person to find a life-long partner that will fulfill him or her emotionally and psychologically. If there is no love between two individuals, then it is unlikely that they will get married. In the American culture, love is a top priority when considering marriage. According to Carlson (217), married couples in America tend to enjoy an equal position or status within the family, with domination and subjugations being very unlikely. Husband and wife share family responsibilities such as paying bills and raising children. Americans are more inclined to pay attention to their individuality and tend to admire marriages based on love rather than family interests.

Religion plays a crucial role in the lives of Americans, particularly when it comes to marriage. The idea of marriage in the west originates from the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Also, Christianity influences the process of marriage in many ways. For instance, most couples choose to hold their wedding ceremonies in church irrespective of their religious faith. In addition, the couple will affirm their wedding vows in front of a priest. On the other hand, while Confucianism has a significant influence on Chinese marriages, it is not exactly a religion. It is just that some Confucian doctrines urge the Chinese people to focus more on group interests such as families. Marriage is often mentioned in some of these doctrines.

Works Cited

Carlson, A. C. (2017). Conjugal America: On the Public Purposes of Marriage. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Guo, Lei. "Comparison between Chinese Traditional Marriage Customs and American Marriage Customs." Humanities and Social Sciences. 4.4 (2016): 123. Print.

Yu, Jia, and Yu Xie. "Changes in the determinants of marriage entry in post-reform urban China." Demography 52.6 (2015): 1869-1892.