Sexuality in a Changing China by Nicole Zarafonetis

Author:Nicole Zarafonetis [Zarafonetis, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Women's Studies, Gender Studies, Regional Studies
ISBN: 9781315293912
Google: LTgkDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2017-05-18T04:32:02+00:00

This stress on stability and responsibility further reinforces the notion that dating is a serious endeavour that should not be entered into naively. Although Bethany did have a boyfriend at the time of interviewing, she stated:

For me, I always thought that after 24 or 25. Before 22, I would have to depend on my parents. So I could have two or three years where I could be very independent. And then I could have a stable relationship.

(Bethany, 22)

For Bethany, personal stability, particularly financial stability, was seen as important before beginning to date. As Bethany was one of the youngest participants, her emphasis on personal independence is perhaps evidence of wider generational change, where individualistic tendencies have been increasingly observed when it comes to dating (Yan, 2006).

Maturity was also cited as another reason to wait until an older age to date. Being young and immature was often seen as an irresponsible time to date, possibly leading to negative consequences. As Emma noted:

In my opinion, I think around 18 or 20 is okay for a first date. Because when you’re in high school or middle school, you’re too young! But [laughs], we just don’t have this type of education. You don’t have any information! So it’s just puppy love at this time, around 18 or 20 is okay. But nowadays, young people are getting really … curious. And mature. Because of movies and TV shows. So they have a lot more information and can find out about everything. They just do what they want to do, right? So it’s a negative of dating too early, I think. It’s against Confucianism! [Laughs].

(Emma, 30)

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