摘要
Studies up to now have shown the difference in partner/spouse selection between men and women of ethnic minority groups overseas but lack in-depth exploration of the reasons behind such selection.This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the different types of motivations that drive men and women of ethnic minorities to select their partners/spouses.Using quantitative and qualitative data,we compared partner/spouse selection dynamics and motivations among overseas Chinese men and women.Our study on Chinese people living in Belgium reveal significant gender differences in spouse selection between men and women,with more women likely to go in for intermarriage than men.In our interviews,we found that the underlying motivations for women’s preference for intermarriage lie in their fondness for Western family culture and their desire to make the host country their permanent home.We also found that in their partner-spouse selection,women were less influenced by social norms or pressure from parents and family,which are the main factors driving endogamy.Although the gender ratio in the marriage market is more or less even,cultural factors and possible different adaptation methods of men and women prompt Chinese people to consider or reject their compatriots as suitable partners/spouses.
