This study explores the relationships between perceived social pressure, career aspiration, economic independence, and cultural values on attitude towards marriage among unmarried women in China. Using a quantitative approach, a sample of 458 participants completed validated measures, and Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the variables. The results revealed that perceived social pressure was the strongest predictor of positive attitude towards marriage, followed by cultural values, with both variables significantly shaping marriage attitudes. Conversely, career aspiration and economic independence were negatively correlated with traditional attitude towards marriage, suggesting that women who prioritize their careers and financial independence are more likely to delay or reconsider marriage. These findings underscore the complex interplay of social, individual, and cultural factors influencing unmarried women’s attitude towards marriage in contemporary Chinese society. Policymakers and social institutions are encouraged to consider these dynamics when developing strategies to address evolving marriage trends.
Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(4), 314-324.
Chen, M., Zhang, Q., & Li, J. (2023). Women in the workforce and its impact on marriage trends in urban China. Asian Journal of Social Science, 51(1), 25-42.
Fang, C., & Stone, J. (2020). Changing attitude towards marriage among Chinese women: The role of education and urbanization. Journal of Chinese Sociology, 7(1), 12-24.
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975). Belief, Attitude, Intention, and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Gray, M. P., & O’Brien, K. M. (2007). Advancing the assessment of women’s career choices: The Career Aspiration Scale. Journal of Career Assessment, 15(3), 317-337
He, Y., & Li, M. (2020). Individualism versus collectivism: The evolving marriage attitudes among Chinese youth. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 51(5), 654-670.
Ji, Y. (2019). Postponing marriage in China: Socioeconomic factors and implications. Social Forces, 98(2), 839-864.
Johnson, M. D., & Nelson, M. A. (1990). The Marriage Attitude Scale. Journal of Family Issues, 11(3), 357-374.
Liu, C., Zhang, W., & Li, S. (2021). Economic independence and its impact on marriage decisions among Chinese women. Journal of Family Issues, 42(12), 2914-2930.
Lown, J. M. (2011). Development and validation of a Financial Self-Efficacy Scale. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, 22(2), 54-63.
Tang, L., & Li, Z. (2020). Career development and marriage attitudes among young women in China: A changing paradigm. Journal of Family Studies, 26(3), 289-303.
Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism & Collectivism. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Wang, Z., & Abbott, P. (2020). Urbanization and changing marriage patterns in China: A longitudinal study. Population Research and Policy Review, 39(3), 607-625.
Xiao, Y., & Xu, W. (2022). The rise of financial independence and its impact on marriage trends in contemporary China. Women’s Studies International Forum, 91, 102558.
Zhou, P., & Wang, X. (2021). The role of social norms in shaping marriage decisions in China. Journal of Marriage and Family, 83(4), 982-999.
Zhou, P., & Zhang, X. (2023). Financial empowerment and marriage decisions among urban Chinese women. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 197, 528-540.
Ye, C., Ma’rof, A. A., Abdullah, H., & Hamsan, H. H. (2024). The Influence of Perceived Social Pressure, Career Aspiration, Economic Independence, and Cultural Values on Attitude towards Marriage among Unmarried Women in China. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(12), 1098–1113.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Published by Knowledge Words Publications (www.kwpublications.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
