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THE EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARD MARRIAGE AND FUTURE LIFE PARTNERS By Matthew D. Beccaria Advised by Dr. Yi Schuler A Masters Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in International Studies in the School of Professional Studies Concordia University Irvine California 07/31/2013

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Page 1: Thesis-Matthew Beccaria

THE EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTITUDES

TOWARD MARRIAGE AND FUTURE LIFE PARTNERS

By

Matthew D. Beccaria

Advised by Dr. Yi Schuler

A Masters Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

the Degree of Master of Arts in International Studies

in the School of Professional Studies

Concordia University

Irvine California

07/31/2013

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 2

Abstract

With the introduction of materialism into modern Chinese society, attitudes toward marriage and

future life partners transform in a rapidly changing environment. As the current generation of

youth rises along with China’s increasing global influence, so does the demand for material

goods for the sake of security and stability. The purpose of this study is to identify whether or

not there is a significant attitude difference between gender toward marriage and future life

partners. By using random sampling, 406 Chinese college students (N = 406) primarily from

Hangzhou, Zhejiang China were surveyed to examine their attitudes toward marriage and future

life partners in relationship to materialism. Quantitative methods were used, utilizing ANOVA

analysis as well as univariate analysis. The research concludes that there are differences between

genders when perceiving a potential life partner and their materialistic wealth, yet both genders’

attitudes toward their own materialistic wealth has less significance. Findings also suggest that

although Chinese college students value materialism, they are not opposed to selecting future life

partners without materialistic wealth if the prospective partner works diligently. This suggests

that materialism, although important, may not be the only criteria when considering marriage and

a future life partner.

Keywords: China, college student, materialism, life partner, marriage, marital choice

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Acknowledgements

This research is dedicated to my grandfather, Frank Beccaria. This research could not

have been made possible without the help of several other important individuals: My advisor, Dr.

Yi Schuler, who graciously guided and mentored me throughout the year. Nikko Zhou, who

helped to translate my survey into Chinese and advised me during discussions of materialism’s

increasing importance in Chinese society. Max, who helped to re-translate the second draft of my

survey. Most importantly, my parents David and Kristin Beccaria who have endured the long

arduous duty of watching their son live abroad in foreign countries and have continued their

support through all my life goals and ambitions. Thank you all, you are forever in my thanks.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................6

China: An Overview ................................................................................................6

Research Topic/Questions .......................................................................................7

Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................7

Key Terms ................................................................................................................8

Literature Review...........................................................................................................9

1949-1978: Marriage and the Importance of Political Involvement ........................9

1978-Present: Changes in Marriage, The Incorporation of Materialistic Pursuits.12

Home Life as Defined by Materialistic Pursuits Based on Gender Outlooks ........16

Summary ................................................................................................................19

Methodology ................................................................................................................20

Research Design.....................................................................................................20

Instrument ..............................................................................................................21

Subjects ..................................................................................................................22

Ethical Considerations ...........................................................................................22

Results ..........................................................................................................................23

Demographics ........................................................................................................23

Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................26

Attitudes Toward Materialism: Univariate Analysis .............................................27

The Importance of Materialism and Status: Bivariate Analysis ............................30

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Discussion and Conclusion ..........................................................................................33

Materialism Providing Sense of Happiness and Security/Stability .......................34

Attitudes towards the Importance of Materialism among Gender .........................34

Importance of Possessing a Stable Job, House ......................................................36

Consideration of Diligence ....................................................................................37

Limitations .............................................................................................................37

Future Research .....................................................................................................37

References ....................................................................................................................39

Appendices ...................................................................................................................43

Appendix A Survey (English) ................................................................................43

Appendix B Survey (Chinese) ...............................................................................46

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Introduction

China: An Overview

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established on October 1, 1949, with the city of

Beijing as acting capital. Between 1945 and 1949, China was in a civil war when the Communist

and Nationalist troops fought for national power. After PRC was established, Maoist thought

spread through many political and social campaigns, giving way to Utopian ideals that stressed

and placed importance on uniformity and political support within families. The communist

structure was based on the proletariat class and the peasantry, opposed to the Nationalist party

which was centralized around the bourgeois or capitalist class (Aldabek, Assyl, Dauyen, &

Serikkaliyeva, 2012).

Throughout the last few decades, China has reformed its policies and directed its attention

toward modernization of cities, economy and its society. “Progressive advancement grounded in

economic achievements, gain of welfare for its citizens and political stability” have become a

role model for other developing nations (Aldabek, Assyl, Dauyen, & Serikkaliyeva, 2012).

Western methods and materialism have impacted Chinese society in many ways from consumers

to big business, allowing for its incredible growth, which is expected to continue over the next

couple of decades. According to some, this perception has left an imprint that China will soon be

the world’s acting superpower (Subramanian, 2011).

In addition, the central role of Chinese citizens is no longer focused around political

involvement as it was during Mao Zedong’s leadership. The driving force in Chinese society has

evolved into a consumer based society that idolizes materialism, perceiving the ability to make

money as the central defining characteristic for success. As China continues to open to the world,

it is increasingly closer to becoming the leading competitor in the global market. Therefore, its

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new global role has allowed for new societal expectations (Boshier & Yan, 2010).

Research Topic.

The central research topic under study is materialism’s affects on Chinese college

student's attitudes toward marriage and future life partners within the city of Hangzhou, China.

The study explores how materialistic pursuits such as a house, a car and a steady income impact

Chinese college student's decisions when contemplating potential life partners. It examines the

differences between gender and social status and how materialism affects people's decisions

regarding marriage within these categories. These social factors provide insights on how various

factors can alter perceptions on marriage among college students in Hangzhou, China, which

may give some insight into the society as a whole. This study not only examines how

materialism affects a person's perceived desirability as a suitable life partner, but it also examines

how materialism contributes toward Chinese college students’ choice of life partners.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to gain a critical understanding of how contemporary

college students perceive material wealth in potential marriage relationships within Chinese

culture. This study determines whether college students would refute the possibility of life

partners when they do not yet have the ideal amount of material possessions under their name.

This study examines the different affects that materialism has on gender and social status when

making marital decisions and considering a life partner. The study compares gender roles and

gives a greater insight into the intricacies of males and females attitudes toward their opposite

sex by examining materialistic requirements expected of males and females as potential life

partners.

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Key Terms

College student: Any student who is currently enrolled in a university at the undergraduate or

post graduate level. The age ranges for this group is from 18-31.

Gender: The behavioral, cultural or psychological traits typically associated with one sex, male

or female (Merriam-Webster.com, 2012a).

Life Partner: One member of a monogamous relationship, within the context of marriage

(Merriam-Webster.com, 2012a).

Materialism: A preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual

things (Merriam-Webster.com, 2012a).

New Marriage Law (1950): Enacted on April 13, 1950 under Mao Zedong. It gave people

(particularly women) the freedom to choose who they wanted to marry and changed various rules

for marriage and divorce (Bullough & Ruan 1994; Kline & Zhang 2009).

New Marriage Law (1980): Enacted on January 1, 1981 under Deng Xiaoping. It expanded upon

and reformed the previous marriage law by raising minimum marital ages to limit birth rates

(Bullough & Ruan 1994; Kline & Zhang 2009).

One Child Policy Act: The policy consists of a set of regulations that govern the approved size of

Chinese family size, late marriage and child bearing and the spacing of children in cases where a

second child is permitted (Nakra, 2012).

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Literature Review

To find out what college students’ attitudes are towards the importance of materialism in

a future life partner and marriage, it is important to learn about Chinese government’s family

planning policies over the course of the last sixty years since 1949 when the Chinese Communist

party took power. The literature review is organized in a way that divides Chinese marriage

policies from 1949 onwards into two phases. The first time period from 1949-1978, describes

Mao Zedong's new Marriage Law enacted on April 13 of 1950 (Bullough & Ruan, 1994) as well

as other enacted policies. The second phase discusses the policies enacted by Deng Xiao Ping

from 1979 to present day China. The purpose of this distinction is to first introduce and establish

a better understanding for why and how Chinese perceptions on marriage have developed since

1949. It examines the transformation from a political to material society and the increasing

importance of materialistic wealth in determining social status among families and marital

arrangements.

The review then examines the significance of materialism within the context of home life

as defined by materialistic pursuits based on gender outlooks and how attitudes towards marriage

and future life partners have been influenced. As gender is discussed, it introduces differences

and how this may be an important dependent variable when examining materialism's effects on

college student’s attitudes.

1949-1978: Marriage and the Importance of Political Involvement

Throughout the Mao Zedong era, Chinese family life significantly transformed with the

introduction of marriage reform policies and had a significant impact on Chinese family life. The

new Marriage Law enacted on April 13, 1950 gave people, particularly women, the freedom to

choose who they wanted to marry, set the minimum age for women to be married at 18 and men

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at 20, allowed both parties to apply for divorce, stated that marriage was to be monogamous, that

both sexes were to hold equal rights and that “bigamy, concubinage, child betrothals and dowries

were forbidden” (Bullough & Ruan 1994; Kline & Zhang 2009; Ikels, 1996). This policy

allowed women to break the ties of the older ideologies from Confucian society and expanded

upon their role within the society.

With the change in women’s status, women were no longer subject to dominance by male

family members. Specifically, rules such as the three obediences: obedience to father before

marriage, obedience to husband during marriage and obedience to son when widowed (Ikels,

1996). However, the marriage laws were not strictly observed throughout the nation and issues of

resistance were being fought up until the 1980s. Educational campaigns were conducted to

spread the new marriage law, particularly for the benefit of rural areas where forced marriages

and plural marriages continued to exist (Bullough & Ruan 1994; Ikels, 1996).

Prior to the Cultural Revolution, the new communist government’s expansion of

education greatly impressed upon the importance of educational achievement in order to obtain

status. This status was highly sought after for urban matchmaking and life partners. Individuals

who were enrolled in school, specifically in universities, were more likely to find a potential life

partner who was either well educated or were intellectuals. According to Mao Zedong, “the

resume and development of people's education was one of the current key tasks”; subsequently

educational homogeneity was greatly increased during this period (Liao, 1994). A woman’s

ability to pursue education was greatly expanded upon and women’s increased educational

attainment consequently reduced the gender inequality in education, leading to women’s

preference for educational attainment in life partner selections (Liao, 1994).

From 1966 to 1976 during the 10 year Proletarian Cultural Revolution, radical de-

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stratification policies altered the course of the social order and essentially reversed educational

value from within the society (Liao, 1994). The Meritocratic system was replaced by political

loyalty and therefore changed the way people sought life partners. In addition, there were fewer

people in the education system due to its destruction and individuals were then less likely to meet

under such a circumstance. Soon traditional Confucian values were destroyed and teachers were

re-defined as the lowest political status. As education’s status weakened and intellectuals

received accusations of anti-revolutionary involvement, the opportunities for marriages to take

place across “educational boundaries” increased (Liao, 1994).

In addition to this, the Sent-Down Movement also played a significant role in devaluing

education and impacted marriage choices. This policy led to the event of 12 million youths being

sent from urban areas to the rural country side from 1968-1975 to help decrease the pressure on

the urban job market. As urban children were faced with an increasingly likelihood of a rural

future, their chances of mate selection in an educational institute decreased. It also increased the

chances of these youths to marry into a rural setting which failed to create educational homogeny

as these couples returned to the cities when the Cultural Revolution ended (Liao, 1994).

As the policies of the PRC developed throughout the Cultural Revolution, the

government's social ambitions were associated with political propaganda and political

involvement. The Chinese family was institutionalized for the betterment of communism and

could be seen in the entourage of political posters (Belk, 2002). All of these changes had a

tremendous impact on the way Chinese people perceived and made decisions regarding potential

life partners, particularly regarding the emphasis on a person’s political background and their

relationship to social status (Hamon & Ingoldsby, 2003). Therefore, attitudes among Chinese

showed an increased emphasis on the importance of political status.

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According to Hamon and Ingoldsby (2003), “between 1967 and 1976, 54.1% of young

people married in the cities ranked family political background and personal political status as

the third most important criterion for mate selection, after health and reliability.” Interestingly,

wealth was not advertised as an ambition, instead patriotism was pegged as the community

ambition that would benefit the social state and encourage political participation and

involvement. These ambitions were very different than what followed after Mao Zedong during

Deng Xiao Ping’s reforms. These attitudes among young couples reflected a period in which

political status provided security and stability, unlike the period that followed, which centered

around material security and stability (Hamon & Ingoldsby, 2003).

1978-Present: Changes in Marriage and the Incorporation of Materialistic Pursuits

1978-Mid-1990s. Following the death of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping came back to

power by strategically mobilizing his support within the Communist party. His eventual

leadership in the government led to criticisms of the Cultural Revolution, effectively weakening

opposition and gaining popular support. Deng expanded upon previous policies and altered

China’s direction toward a Socialist Market economy. His expansion on marriage policies led to

the 1980 Marriage Law which took effect January 1, 1981, which replaced and built upon the

changes to the 1950 Marriage Law from Mao Zedong's leadership (Bullough & Ruan, 1994;

Kline & Zhang, 2009). Deng Xiao Ping's reforms sought to influence marriage by raising age

requirements in order to limit birth rates. To be eligible to marry according to national law, a man

must be of the age 22 and a woman 20 (Bell, 1983; Ikels, 1996). The marriage license obtained

by couples governed both marriage and family relations, meaning there would be equality

between spouses. Each spouse could pursue his or her own freedoms without restricting the other

to further his or her education, participation of social activities and work (Bell, 1983).

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However, the government had gone to great lengths to postpone marriages by defining an

appropriate time, advocating “late marriages,” which was part of the family planning regulation

(Bullough & Ruan 1994; Ikels, 1996). Unlike the lower national age requirements, townships

such as Beijing could raise the required age differing from the rest of the nation. Marriage

licenses in Beijing would not be issued to couples unless the man reached the minimum age of

27 years old and a woman 25, strictly adhering to the government’s “promotion” of the “one

child family” (Bell, 1983). The government’s promotion of family planning and the One Child

Policy Act was taken very seriously in hopes of controlling the increasing population. Clashes

between old and new values regarding preferred births to male descendants became conflicting;

therefore rewards were given to those who chose to follow marriage planning laws. If families

chose not to follow family planning, punishments were given, often in the forms of fines (Bell,

1983; Nakra, 2012).

According to Coale (1989), women’s “mean age at first marriage” in 1930 was 17.5

compared to 1980 which rose to 23, signifying a change in social marriage acceptability. Couples

may still have been allowed to marry according to the national age of 22 for a man and 20 for a

woman, but contraception was required to prevent and uphold the government’s agenda for

population control (Ikels, 1996). Family planning policies such as the One Child Policy helped

influence the timing of marriages, causing both postponed marriages and later birth rates (Coale,

1989). The increase in later marriages over the last several years has caused over a 10% drop in

the total amount of births that could have taken place since 1950 if policy had not been enacted,

which essentially accomplished some of the government's family reforms (Coale, 1989).

People’s responses to later marriages sparked concern among Chinese authorities who were

afraid of citizen’s discontent due to the tradition of being married near the age of 18 (Coale,

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1989).

Mid-1990s-Present. Not surprisingly, when examining Chinese college student’s

attitudes toward relationships today, similar results of postponed relationships are confirmed.

According to Zhang (2006), when Chinese and American college students were surveyed and

compared, it was confirmed that among the Chinese students, dating later, dating less and the

less likelihood of developing sexual relationships were more apparent, an effect of earlier

policies.

Regardless of the severe government’s family planning reforms, China has continued to

gain more freedom in their ability to choose their mates (Bullough & Ruan, 1994). China is now

faced with new sexual attitudes just as the West had been during its own counter culture

revolution. China’s new freedom to choose mates has helped to create a wave of silent protests

and influence attitudes toward marriage and relationships in Chinese society (Bullough & Ruan,

1994). One of the main causes for this cultural adoption was China’s Open Door Policy, leading

to the exposure of Western countries and cultures which continues to influence China's youth,

giving them new impressions of success (Guocang, 1986). Unlike the political propaganda of

Mao's Revolutionary Era, present day China is now faced with materialistic advertisements that

promote monetary success due to Deng Xiaoping’s policies. China's social media no longer

promotes the families’ political involvement as it did during the Cultural Revolution, but instead,

individuals have now become the target of advertising (Belk, 2002). Many of these new values

have and are currently being influenced by materialism and Western ideals of success. As the

“increased opportunity for the attainment of wealth and property” grow, individuals are

increasingly subjected to the influence of material wealth (Fuligni & Zhang, 2004). Children in

China today have a new sense of success than their grandparents did, who grew up in a very

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different era (Hermans, Parker, & Schaefer, 2004). Society no longer emphasizes the

participation of political involvement and therefore ambitions have been shifted toward material

acquisition to obtain security and stability.

With the incorporation of new laws and restrictions, Chinese families were forced to re-

think how and when they should get married. Emphasis on career and later marriages gained

importance. Attitudes toward first establishing careers before establishing a marriage have forced

young males to make enough money to garner enough buying power so they can afford a home

large enough to attract a suitable life partner (Kline & Zhang, 2009). According to Zhang (2006),

“Chinese college students who anticipated an earlier age of marriage tended to have a more

traditional attitude toward gender roles.” Those “Chinese college students who anticipated a later

age of marriage tended to have a more egalitarian gender role attitude,” suggesting that there has

been significant influence from family planning policies and on college students. Additionally, as

materialism was introduced, perspectives on social status transformed and people no longer saw

marriage as a sole indicator for their success. Instead, superficial ideals became the new

necessary ideal for higher social status (Kline & Zhang, 2009). Material possessions such as a

house, car and stable job (financial income) became the indicator for security/stability.

Recently in 2011, family and marriage policies have continued to be revised from the

original 1950 Marriage Law. With the most recent interpretation of the Marriage Law, the

Chinese government has specified that unless “legally consented, marital property essentially

belongs to the person who owns the home and whose name is on the property deed” (Fincher,

2013). Although, it is argued this is a gender neutral approach to home ownership, the majority

of names that are on property deeds tend to be male. According to Fincher (2013), in the cities of

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, “80 percent of marital homes are owned or co-

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owned by men, while only 30 percent of marital home deeds include the woman’s name”.

Therefore, although marriage reforms have taken place, it appears that there are still

discrepancies among gender roles. This shows a dominant male presence in matters of home

ownership, indicating that males themselves may see home ownership as a necessary

requirement to fit the description of a potential life partner.

Home Life as Defined by Materialistic Pursuits based on Gender Outlooks

Today, the emphasis on materialistic pursuits within Chinese culture has continued to

evolve people's understandings of marriage and future life partners. After 1978, wealth was no

longer associated with being “anti-revolutionary,” opening the society to new influences and

suitable life partner choices (Hamon & Ingoldsby, 2003). Qualities that deem a life partner

suitable now have new standards. One of which pertains to materialism, which has been brought

over from Western culture due to China’s increasingly global presence and openness to foreign

exchange. With this new presence, the desire for consumer goods and an elite life style are now

at the center of Chinese life (Kline & Zhang 2009; Podoshen, Lu & Junfeng, 2011; Schaefer,

Hermans, & Parker, 2004). The major contributors claimed by the Chinese to be essential

necessities prior to marital commitment include: a car, a house and a stable profession (tied to

financial income). These qualities are centered on material standards that people value when

considering marriage to a future life partner. Material necessities are required of a prospective

life partner because it is a way of increasing social status and demonstrating a sense of security

that can be provided to the potential life partner and their family members indicating who

suitable candidates are and are not (Liao, 1994; Kline & Zhang, 2009).

When examining leaving the home, there appears to be a direct relationship between

moving out and marriage. There was a 48 times greater risk of moving out within 6 months of

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getting married up until the ceremony. This shows that leaving the home is directly related to a

marital transition and provides insight into how gender, housing and financial ability are key

factors in a family’s career (Ikels, 1996; Chiu, 2002).

When breaking down gender roles in relationship to moving out and getting married,

there are varying characteristics to be considered. According to Ting and Chiu (2002), in a Hong

Kong study regarding leaving the home, the differences of moving out for men and women

showed that women had a 71 times greater likelihood of moving out compared to men with a 21

times greater likelihood. Differences between males and females show that there are significant

differences on the male and female gender roles and their responsibilities. Males are

predominantly more likely to stay with their families because of the familial responsibility,

whereas females are more likely to move in with their new husbands family after being married

(Chui, 2002).

According to Zhang (2005), one mother reported that her son sent a letter home asking

for 20,000 RMB for his marriage, stating that “no money, no marriage.” The significance of this

shows that there is an importance placed on sons within the context of the family unit and

therefore hold a responsibility of finding and acquiring housing for the newly formed marriage

(Zhang, 2005). Without the financial support from their family a male partner would not be able

to provide and establish ties with his female life partner.

When examining housing and independent living, according to Ikels' (1996) research in

Guangzhou, 47% of couples lived with their husband's family after being married, while 32%

found a residence independently from their families. Although there is a larger percentage of

those who lived with their in-laws over an independent residence, it is still noted that “most

parents and adult children preferred living separately” (Ikels, 1996, p.120; Whyte, 2005). Unlike

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the living conditions and limitations during the 1980's in Guangzhou the importance of having a

home in contemporary China is now an increasingly heavy burden on families and their sons as

stated earlier and is seen as a necessity in order to be married and start a new family (Ikels, 1996).

This gender role places an increasing importance on the husband and his family to provide a

dwelling or support, creating an increasing financial burden to ensure independent success from

parents.

Ikels views still seem to be valid in contemporary China regarding the importance of

materialism and housing. Due to the lack of finances or availability to acquire a home, owning a

house has become a symbol for not only providing a shelter, but also for providing status,

financial security and satisfaction in acquiring the “consumer goods and elite life style” that now

effect attitudes toward marriages (Kline & Zhang, 2009). Life partners who possess households

are more appealing choices and make more suitable life partners. This creates gender differences

in their roles and responsibilities.

While examining and comparing men and women, there are some additional differences

between the genders in their attitudes toward marriage roles and standards in potential life

partners aside from housing. What is important in marriage to a female will take on a different

search than a male would when trying to find a suitable life partner as seen from Ikels’ research.

Contact with modernized countries has a large impact on Chinese people, who are now adopting

more Westernized values and lifestyles. The significance between gender differences shows that

men look for traits such as appearance and chastity while females look for education, intelligence

and income (Chia, Chong, & Chong, 1986; Higgins & Chunhui, 2007; Kline & Zhang, 2009).

The importance of these observations is that there are different expectations formed by

each gender creating separate standards which are necessary in order to fulfill requirements to

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become a suitable life partner for marriage. This study examines the correlation among income

and materialism between males and females to find out if there are gender differences regarding

materialism and examine the importance of acquiring the stable job and acquisition of a house

for a male.

The transformation from political importance to materialistic acquisition has transformed

attitudes among Chinese towards marriage and life partner preference since 1949. Although there

are other factors, the New Marriage Laws and other policies, established by Mao Zedong and

Deng Xiao Ping regarding family planning have greatly impacted the outlook on Chinese family

life. College students are now faced with an increasing emphasis on the importance of obtaining

particular materialistic assets in order to become what is deemed a suitable life partner.

Acquisition of material possessions such as a house, car and stable job may shape college

students attitudes towards the importance of materialism in their consideration of life partners as

Ikels (1996) has noted in Guangzhou.

Summary

Overall, decisions regarding future life partners and attitudes toward marriage seem to

have a direct relationship with materialism. Throughout China’s development and the

introduction of various marriage reforms, Chinese society has evolved “from arranged marriages

toward free-choice marriages,” allowing for greater “autonomy” among its citizens (Tang & Zuo,

2000). Currently, in choosing life partners, there seems to have been an increasing emphasis on

material wealth because it is an indicator of providing security and stability.

Upon further examination, the differences between gender expectations and requirements

are reasonably different. Desired male characteristics verses female characteristics have two

separate standards. As Ikels (1996), Podoshen and Junfeng (2011) have pointed out, males and

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their families are expected of more financial obligations. Suitable partners must have the

necessary material wealth to be able to provide support and are therefore expected to have a

house or a dwelling for which the newly married couple can reside within (Ikels, 1996; Podoshen

& Junfeng, 2011). As China has developed and opened its doors, it is apparent that materialism’s

influence on Chinese society has significantly impacted life decisions regarding marriage and

how people perceive suitable life partners. Social status is not only a sign of wealth, but also an

indicator of whether a potential life partner can provide for a family.

Methodology

Research Design

The questions that this research is seeking to examine are materialism’s effect on Chinese

college students’ attitudes toward marriage and future life partners. The primary questions are

whether or not materialism is considered set criteria for Chinese college students in choosing life

partners and making decisions regarding marriage and their levels of importance. Differences

between genders were also investigated. This research is primarily quantitative in nature to

supply the research with more tangible supporting evidence rather than abstract results. A

quantitative approach supplies the research with intrinsic value with clear concise numerical data

that can be easily interpreted in comparison to a qualitative approach. Univariate and bivariate

analysis was utilized, including descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation). Bivariate

analysis such as ANOVA was run to examine if there was any significance between independent

variables such as gender and dependent variables such as college student's attitudes toward the

importance of materialism for themselves and their future life partners. This would provide the

necessary data to examine the differences in responses by gender and the effects materialism has

had on college students’ attitudes toward future life partners and marriages within Hangzhou.

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Instrument

The instrument was distributed by using convenient sampling. A snowball survey method

was used to collect the data. In order to gather enough information and reach a large sample size,

surveys were distributed through the convenience of Survey Monkey. The link to take the survey

was passed out in my own university classes as well as classes of other foreign teachers whom I

have a personal relationship with prior to the research. Students were encouraged to share the

survey link with their classmates to help reach a larger sample size. The students received class

credit for participating in the survey without interrupting the flow of the class lesson. In my own

classes, special lesson plans were created to facilitate the survey activity. The survey questions

were created in English and translated into Chinese. Then the translated survey was re-translated

back into English by another qualified translator, with the researcher making comparisons

between the original English version and the back translated version to make sure no subtle

meaning was lost in the translation process. Before distribution, the survey instrument was

revised accordingly to ensure accuracy. All questionnaires were distributed in both English and

Chinese with both translations written side by side.

The survey included 10 demographic questions such as age, gender, education, income,

class status, grade level, family's income, which acted as the demographic independent variables

for this research. These were used to examine the effects of materialism. The survey covered 11

dependent variables regarding the attitudes toward materialism and marriages and how college

students perceived future life partners in general. A majority of the dependent variables were

rated by using a Likert scale onto which levels of importance were distributed as follows: 1 =

Not important, 2 = A Little Important, 3 = Somewhat Important, 4 = Important, 5 = Very

Important. The result was analyzed to examine college students’ attitudes toward materialistic

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elements such as houses, cars, stable jobs, class statuses and security/stability for oneself and

potential life partners.

Subjects

The majority of the research participants came from university students at Hangzhou

Dianzi Keji University, in Xiasha district of Hangzhou, Zhejiang China. However, the sample

size was not limited to this particular university but also included university students from other

campuses within the city of Hangzhou. My sample included my own students who were taking

English classes at the university from the foreign teachers department. The majority of the

students in my classes were English majors, but were not limited to this discipline. Majors were

not included on the survey and therefore an accurate description cannot be given regarding this

demographic category. The sample included students from varying grade levels ranging from

freshmen to seniors as well as post graduates. A total of 453 surveys were distributed among the

university students and 453 copies were collected. However, among the collected surveys, 47

copies were incomplete and discarded. The total number of useable surveys were 406 (N=406).

The main criteria for a returned survey to be included in the final analysis required 100%

completion. Additionally, several collected surveys were cut based on the fact that some

participants chose “other”, and filled in unrelated answers, which distorted data. Having “other”

as an option on the survey would have also restricted the researcher’s ability to use ANOVA

analysis.

Ethical Considerations

All university student participants were aware that participation in this search was

voluntary. Student participants were approached during class times and were given surveys to fill

out for themselves as well as to pass along to their classmates. Students were told that the

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research would be used for academic purposes, examining the relationship between materialism

and marriage. The survey was anonymous and all collected data were kept confidential and there

is no risk involved in completing the survey.

Results

Demographics

The higher education system in Hangzhou has improved its educational profile,

expanding to 38 general universities, 446.7 thousand students of which 41.8 thousand are

graduate students as of 2011. The increase in college enrollement has increased 1.1% since 2010

with a 56.8% gross enrollment. Income earnings in 2011 among urban residents was 34,065 yuan

per capita and 15,245 yuan per capita for rural residents in Hangzhou with 13.4% growth for

urban and 15.6% growth for rural (Hangzhou Statistics, 2012).

Chinese College Students’ Gender. Of the 406 Chinese college students, 46% (188)

were males and 54% (218) were females. According to the the 2010 national census done by the

Peoples Republic of China there were a total of 51.27% males and 48.73% females representing

the overall demographic of the country with an average female student population of 51.14%

(National Buearu of Statistics PRC, 2012). This data concluded that my collection was within a

5-6% margin of both genders providing an accurate and comparable analysis of the overall

general population. However, the limitations of this analysis are that my research was limited to

the city of Hangzhou.

Students’ Ages. The breakdown of respondents’ ages showed the following. Ages ranged

from 18-31 years of age. The mean age of students surveyed is 21.31 years old (SD = 1.63) with

the median age at 21 years old and the mode at 21 years old. The data appears to have a slight

negative skew to the right as seen in Figure 1.1 below. Fewer older students were acquired due to

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the limited availability at the university. The majority of surveys were distributed through use of

a convenient sample to students between the level of freshmen and senior levels, although post

graduate degree candidates/holders were contacted. Therefore, the most survey respondents were

between 20-22 years old and were mostly sophomores.

Figure 1.1. The percentage of Chinese college students in age groups.

Students’ Families’ Total Monthly Income. There were 4.18% (17) of respondents in

the less than 1,999 RMB bracket and 17.49% (71) in the 2,000-3,999 RMB bracket. The figure

suggests that most college student’s families are making between 4,000-5,999 RMB with 25.12%

(102) of the participants. There were 16.75% (68) in the 6,000-7,999 RMB bracket, 14.04% (57)

in the 8,000-9,999 RMB bracket and 22.41% (91) in the more than 10,000 RMB bracket.

According to the research results, there seems to be some data inconsistency with the monthly

income at the upper range. The resulted sample for families who made more than 10,000 RMB

per month was significantly larger, creating an uneven distribution with the rest of the reported

data. This was more than likely due to the format of the question. A wider range for income

should have been bracketed as to give a better distribution of the results at the higher income

levels, allowing for more evenly distributed data. See Figure 1.2 below. The median is 4 and the

mode is 3.

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Figure 1.2. Students’ families’ total monthly income.

Students’ Marital Status. Of the 406 students, 98.52% (400) responded that they were

single. Only 0.98 (4) responded that they were married and 0.49 (2) responded that they were

separated. This data appears reasonable due to the student’s ages and that most active university

students have never been married and are single. The median was 5 and the mode 5. Results also

indicate that earlier marriages were reduced possiblly because of the family planning policies,

which is supported by an overwhelming majority of Chinese college students reporting their

relationship status as single.

Current Grade Level in University. Grade level was distributed into 5 categories,

freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior and post graduate. According to findings by grade level,

16.74% (68) of respondents were freshmen, 51.23% (208) of respondents were sophomore,

13.54% (55) were junior, 12.31% (50) were senior and 6.15% (25) were post graduates. The

mean is 2.39 (SD = 1.09) with the median at 2 and the mode at 2. The graph shows a negative

skew to the right as seen in Figure 1.3. This coincides with the fact that the classes the researcher

taught at the university were primarily sophomore level university students. Furthermore, the

research participants were instructed to pass on the survey link to their friends and acquaintances

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who are likely to be of their own age, which shows reasonable cause for such a discrepancy in

the data.

Figure 1.3. Student’s current grade level.

Data Analysis

Univariate analysis was used to describe Chinese college students’ attitudes toward

materialism. Survey questions were graphed to give a basic introduction of materialism’s effects

on security/stability, happiness, the most important materialistic quality a potential life partner

could possess, and consideration of a life partner with no materialistic wealth but works

diligently.

Bivariate analysis was used to determine whether there is gender difference in

materialism. Basic demographic analysis on gender was used to show the mean levels of

importance giving a clear outline of differences among gender. One way ANOVA tests were used

to examine gender against the importance of having a stable job for oneself, importance for

future life partner to have stable job, and importance for future life partner to own a house.

ANOVA analysis was also used to examine attitudes among gender and levels of importance

regarding future life partner’s social status. This provides the research with more information

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about attitudes among Chinese college students and how people perceive future life partners as

well as their social status among society.

Attitudes Toward Materialism: Univariate Analysis

Univariate analysis showed that among 406 college students, 72.41% (294) felt that

materialistic wealth could provide them with a sense of security/stability as seen in Figure 2.1.

Materialism appears to be given a great importance in their lives according to the majoirty of

respondents, suggesting that security/stability are defined by how much wealth is in a person’s

possession.

Figure 2.1. The percentage of attitudes toward materialistic wealth providing security/stability

(N = 406).

When asked if materialistic wealth could bring happiness to a marriage/future marriage,

67.24 percent (273) of college students responded yes as seen in Figure 2.2. These statistics

demonstrate college students’ attitudes towards materialism providing their marraiges/future

marriages with security/stability.

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Figure 2.2. The percentage of attitudes toward materialistic wealth bringing marriage happiness

(N = 406).

Of the 406 respondents, 79% (319) chose having a stable job as the most important

materialistic quality for a potential life partner to possess. Another 15% (61) chose house as the

most important quality. Only 4% (16) of respondents chose “other” and filled in that materialisim

as unimportant. The least chosen category had only 2 percent (10) of respondents reporting

owning a car as the most important materialistic quality. See Figure 2.3 below. This indicates that

life partners who possess a stable job are in possession of a materialistic quality that may

increase their potential as a life partner.

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Figure 2.3. The most important quality for potential life partners (N=406).

Students were asked whether or not they would consider marrying a potential life partner

who had no materialistic wealth but still worked diligently. There were 96.80% (363) who

responded yes. See Figure 2.4 below. Although, a majority of students responded that

materialism is related to security/stability and happiness. This data indicates that student’s

attitudes may reflect some exceptions for potential life partners with no materialistic wealth

depending on how hard they are willing to work.

Figure 2.4. The percentage of participants who would marry a partner with no wealth but work

diligently.

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The Importance of Materialism and Status: Bivariate Analysis

When asked how important is it to respondents to have a stable job, the Likert scale was

ranked from 1-5, 1 being not important and 5 being very important. Females held having a stable

job as more important than their male counterparts (female mean = 4.41; male mean = 4.13) See

Figure 2.5 below. This result indicates that having a stable job for both males and females holds

significant importance when looking at oneself. Gender resulted in 46 percent (188) males and

54 percent (218) females. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted between gender and the

level of importance of having a job. The analysis concluded there is a variation between mean of

importance and gender: (F(1, 810) = 2667.19, p < .05, F crit = 3.853). The ANOVA result

indicates there is great variation between gender and the level of importance of having a stable

job to onself, because F value is bigger than F critical, and p value is zero. The finding is not at

random, but statistically significant.

Figure 2.5. The level of importance to oneself of having a stable job males and females.

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When data was examined according to how important is it to you that your future life

partner has a stable job, the same Likert scale was used from 1-5. 1 being not important and 5

being very important. Males mean response was 3.16 and females mean response was 4.38. See

figure 2.6 below. This data indicates that among males there is less importance placed on their

partner to have a stable job than females place on theirs. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was

conducted between gender and the level of importance for future life partner to have a stable job.

The analysis concluded there is a variation between mean of importance and gender: (F(1, 810) =

1248.31, p < .05, F crit = 3.853). The ANOVA result indicates there is great variation between

gender and the level of importance for future life partners to have a stable job, because F value is

bigger than F critical, and p value is zero. The finding is not at random, but statistically

significant.

Figure 2.6. The level of importance of future life partners having a stable job for gender

When asked how important is it to you that your future life partner owns their own house,

the same Likert scale was used. Levels of importance were ranked from 1-5, 1 being not

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important and 5 being very important. Males mean response was 2.04 and females mean

response was 3.80. The mode for males was 1, while the mode for females was 5. See Figure 2.7

below. This data indicates that there is a difference among males and females attitudes toward

future life partners owning a house. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted between

gender and the level of importance for future life partner to have a stable job. The analysis

concluded there is a variation between mean of importance and gender: (F(1, 810) = 346.36, p

< .05, F crit = 3.853). The ANOVA result indicates there is great variation between gender and

the level of importance for a future life partner owning a house, because F value is bigger than F

critical, and p value is zero. The finding is not at random, but statistically significant.

Figure 2.7. The importance of future life parnters owning a house for males and females.

When students were asked about the level of importance of their future life partner’s

social status, the same Likert scale was used. Levels of importance were ranked from 1-5, 1

being not important and 5 being very important. Male Chinese college students responded with a

mean of 2.59. Female respondents had a mean of 3.15. See Figure 2.8 below. This data shows

that there is little importance among male respondents and some importance among female

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respondents. Female Chinese college students’ attitudes appear to be more concerned with social

status than males, however social status still remains only somewhat important. A one way

ANOVA was used to test gender and how important a future life partner’s social status is.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted between gender and the level of importance for

future life partner to have a stable job. The analysis concluded there is a variation between mean

of importance and gender: (F(1, 810) = 464.11, p < .05, F crit = 3.853). The ANOVA result

indicates there is great variation between gender and the level of importance of a future life

partner’s social status, because F value is bigger than F critical, and p value is zero. The finding

is not at random, but statistically significant.

Figure 2.8. The importance of future life partner’s social status for males and females.

Discussion and Conclusion

College students were chosen as a pool of potential marriageable candidates due to the

findings from previous research suggesting marriages occurred at later ages. The occurrence of

marriages at older ages in life to save money and buy housing shows the importance related to

home ownership and materialistic pursuits among marriageable candidates (Hamon & Ingoldsby,

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2003). An overwhelming 98.52% of Chinese college students ranging from 18-31 years old

reported that their relationship status was single, confirming previous research regarding

increased marriage ages due to the promoted family planning policy instituted by Mao Zedong

and later revised during Deng Xiaoping’s rise to leadership (Bullough & Ruan 1994). Deng’s

established and reformed family planning policies influenced people and in particular college

students’ attitudes toward marriage, shifting focus toward materialism as an important

consideration when choosing life partners due to the security/stability that it is associated with

(Coale, 1989; Bell, 1983; Bullough & Ruan, 1994; Ikels, 1996; Zhang, 2005).

Materialism Providing Sense of Happiness and Security/Stability

Findings show that attitudes amongst Chinese college students in Hangzhou, China place

significant importance on materialistic wealth when examining potential life partners and future

marriages. Findings show that a majority of respondents feel that materialism can provide them

with a sense of security/stability. A majority of respondents also feel that materialism can provide

happiness to a marriage/future marriage. Results from the survey confirm previous research

performed that there is indeed a significant importance placed on potential life partners and

marriage for materialistic goods and an elite life style (Kline & Zhang 2009; Podoshen, Lu, &

Junfeng, 2011; Schaefer, Hermans, & Parker, 2004). It is reasonable to conclude that among the

majority of college respondents, materialistic wealth is perceived as being an important

consideration in life partner selection because of its relationship to security/stability in starting a

home life (Liao, 1994; Kline & Zhang, 2009). Without such accommodates, insecurity arises due

to lack of supporting funds in an ever increasingly materialistic environment.

Attitudes towards the Importance of Materialism among Gender

According to the findings regarding gender differences, when examining oneself, levels

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of importance between males and females had some small significance; it is only when they

perceive others as potential life partner choices that the mean level of importance among gender

attitudes change dramatically. According to the findings, female attitudes towards males shows a

higher level of importance placed on males to possess a stable job, house and higher social status

than male attitudes toward females in these categories (Hynie, Lalonde, & Nam, 2006).

According to Hynie, Lalonde and Nam (2006), differences in attitudes among gender show that

there may be some pressures on women to find males with higher social statuses. However, it

should also be noted that this may also indicate that men are pressured to meet the potential

expectations of women regarding social status and material wealth in order to meet standards that

give them potential. Both pressures on males and females appear to be revolved around higher

status and financial security/stability as previous research indicates according to Nam (2006).

Importance of Possessing a Stable Job, House

According to findings, possessing a stable job and owning a house significantly increase

your desirability and potential as a life partner choice according to Chinese college students.

Cars did not seem to have a significant impact on the decision making process and proved to be

less of a concern. While males placed an average level of importance on their future life partners

having a stable job, female respondents placed a significant level of importance. When

examining how important it is for a future life partner to own a house, males again responded

with a lower level of importance, while females responded with a significant level of importance.

Findings indicate that among males, there is less importance placed on females to have a stable

job than females place on males. The survey’s results reflected and proved that there are

significant differences between gender roles and qualities that make a suitable life partner. This

indicates that without certain materialistic possessions a life partner’s suitability as a candidate

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may decrease.

Without any means of financial support, males are perceived as insufficient life partner

choices because they cannot provide the necessary means to take care of the family. Ikel’s (1996)

and Chiu’s (2002) research both support the findings, indicating that the burden and

responsibility of supplying housing falls primarily upon males and their families to provide for.

Previous research supports the results that without major financial support or means, such as a

stable job or home investment, there would be little future for a marriage because it cannot be

supported (Zhang, 2005). These material factors give the future life partner the means of

supporting a future family while providing for the marriage financial security/stability and

ensuring the well-being of the family’s future (Ikels, 1996; Podoshen, & Junfeng, 2011).

Consideration of Diligence

My research did reveal that although attitudes among Chinese college students show a

high level of importance placed on themselves and their potential life partners, the overwhelming

majority will still consider a potential life partner if they work diligently. This disproved that

materialism is the sole key quality and suggests that although materialism is an important factor

in marriage and life partner decisions, it is not the only trait in consideration. Therefore, although

attitudes among gender remain varying when examining a potential life partner, both genders

appear to agree that materialism can be put aside to some degree in light of other potential life

partner characteristics. This discovery is a slight contradiction and therefore makes it difficult to

examine to what extent materialism makes a difference when comparing it to character qualities

such as diligence.

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Limitations

Due to the large population in Hangzhou China, a sample size of 406 college student

respondents is insufficient to accurately determine effects of materialism on attitudes toward

marriage and future life partners. By only examining college students attitudes in Hangzhou,

China the research is limited geographically and cannot represent China as a whole. Future

research should focus on varying locations to incorporate a more synthesized approach.

Students’ families’ total monthly income could have been ranked more broadly to give a

better distribution of higher income earnings. The lack of specifics in my survey questions made

my analysis more difficult. There was also too many opportunities with “other” as a choice

which failed to assist in the analysis of those specific questions and could have been better

constructed as to give a more accurate depiction of respondent’s attitudes.

Research regarding materialism and potential life partners is limited and there has been

little research done on how specific materialistic items such as house, car, stable job play a

significant role on college student’s attitudes toward marital decisions and future life partners.

Lastly, the allowed time for this research was limited. Surveys were distributed online via

survey monkey for 3 weeks and were collected to meet deadlines for the Universities data

analysis course. If more time was allowed, more respondents could have been surveyed giving a

more in depth and accurate look into Chinese college student’s perceptions.

Future Research

Future research should consider the other elements that may affect marriage and future

life partner choices. Characteristic traits such as personality were only lightly examined in this

approach. This study sought to examine the impact of larger materialistic influences on Chinese

college student attitudes toward marriage and future life partners and did not include personality

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traits or other variables that may affect or influence Chinese college student decisions. The

purpose of this research is to expose the changing attitudes of China’s newly educated generation

and their interaction with the increasingly materialistic and modern China.

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APPENDICES

Appendix A

Survey (English)

The following anonymous survey is intended for research purposes only. All the information

collected from this survey will be kept confidential. Please follow the instructions and answer

ALL the questions to the best of your knowledge. Participation is voluntary. Thank you for your

time.

1.) What is your gender?

1. Male 2.Female

2.) What is your age?

3.) What is your family's total monthly income?

1. Less Than 1,999 RMB 2. 2,000 - 3,999 RMB 3. 4,000 - 5,999 RMB

4. 6,000 - 7,999 RMB 5. 8,000 - 9,999 RMB 6. More Than 10,000 RMB

4.) What is your current level of completed education?

1. Lower than High School 2. High School 3. Associates Degree

4. Bachelors Degree 5. Masters Degree 6. PhD/Doctorate Degree

5.) What is your current marital status?

1. Married 2. Separated 3. Divorced 4. Widowed 5. Single

6.) What is your current grade level in University?

1. Freshmen 2. Sophomore 3. Junior 4. Senior 5. Post Graduate

6. If OTHER, please specify

7.) Does your family rent or own their place of dwelling?

1. Rents 2. Owns 3. If OTHER, please specify

8.) How many cars does your family own?

9.) How many residences does your family own? (e.g. houses, apartments)

10.) What is the MINIMUM income level you feel your future life partner should make?

1. Less Than 1,999 RMB 2. 2,000 - 3,999 RMB 3. 4,000 - 5,999 RMB

4. 6,000 - 7,999 RMB 5. 8,000 - 9,999 RMB 6. More Than 10,000 RMB

11.) How important is it to you to to own a car?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

12.) How important is it to you to own a house?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 44

4. Important 5. Very Important

13.) How important is it to you to have a stable job?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

14.) How important is it to you that your future life partner owns their own car?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

15.) How important is it to you that your future life partner owns their own house?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

16.) How important is it to you that your future life partner has a stable job?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

17.) How important is it to you to own a house, a car and to have a stable job before you get

married?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

18.) How important is your own social status to you?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

19.) How important is your future life partner’s social class status to you?

1. Not Important 2. A Little Important 3. Somewhat Important

4. Important 5. Very Important

20.) Would you feel comfortable introducing a potential life partner you were dating who has no

materialistic wealth to your friends?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

21.) Would you feel comfortable introducing a potential life partner you were dating who has no

materialistic wealth to your family?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

22.) Would you feel comfortable if your child married a potential life partner with no

materialistic wealth?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

23.) Would you marry someone of a lower social class status than you?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 45

24.) Would you allow your child to marry someone who was of a lower social class status than

them?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

25.) Would you consider a potential life partner if they had no money but worked very

diligently?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

26.) What is the most important MATERIALISTIC quality for a potential life partner to possess?

1. Car 2. House 3. Stable Job 4. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

27.) Do you feel that materialistic wealth can provide you with a sense of security/stability?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

28.) Do you feel that you can live a secure/stable life without materialistic wealth?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

29.) Do you feel that materialistic wealth can bring your marriage/future marriage happiness?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

30.) Do you feel that you can live a successful marriage without materialistic wealth?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

31.) Based on your observations and understanding, do you believe that married couples who

have a lot of materialistic wealth are happier than those who have less materialistic wealth?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

32.) Would you support a friend’s decision to marry someone from a family with no materialistic

wealth?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

33.) Could you live without any materialistic wealth and still be accepted by your friends and

family?

1. Yes 2. No 3. If unsure, please use OTHER to explain

OPTIONAL: If you’d like the researcher to follow up with you about any additional questions

pertaining to this research, please feel free to leave your contact information Name, Phone,

Email, Other. If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please feel free to

contact myself at 13336101241.

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 46

Appendix B

Survey (Chinese)

以下的问卷调查只限于学术研究使用. 本问卷收集的所有信息将保密. 请按照指令尽力问

答所有问题. 参与此次问卷调查与否是自愿的. 谢谢您的合作.

1.) 您的性别是?

1. 男 2. 女

2.) 您的年龄是?

3.) 您的家庭月度总收入是多少?

1. 少于 1999 RMB 2. 2,000 - 3,999 RMB 3. 4,000 - 5,999 RMB

4. 6,000 - 7,999 RMB 5. 8,000 - 9,999 RMB 6. 超过 10,000 RMB

4.) 您目前完成的最高学历是?

1. 高中以下学历 2. 高中学历 3. 专科学历

4. 本科学历 5. 硕士学历 6. 博士学历

5.) 您的婚姻是现状?

1. 已婚 2. 分居 3. 离婚 4. 丧偶 5. 单身

6.) 您目前是大学几年级?

1. 年级 2. 二年级 3. 三年级 4. 四年级 5. 研究生

6. 如果是其他情况,请说明

7.) 您的家庭住房性质属于租赁住房还是私有住房?

1. 租赁 2. 私人所有 3. 如果是其他情况,请说明

8.) 您的家庭拥有几辆车?

9.) 您的家庭拥有几处房产?(例如:别墅、公寓)

10.) 您认为您未来生活伴侣(爱人)最低的月收入应该是多少?

1. 少于 1999 RMB 2. 2,000 - 3,999 RMB 3. 4,000 - 5,999 RMB

4. 6,000 - 7,999 RMB 5. 8,000 - 9,999 RMB 6. 超过 10,000 RMB

11.) 拥有一辆车对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

12.) 拥有自己的房子对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 47

13.) 有一个稳定的工作对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

14.) 你未来的爱人拥有自己的车子对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

15.) 您未来的爱人拥有自己的房子对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

16.) 您未来的爱人拥有一个稳定的工作对您来说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

17.) 对您来说,结婚前有房, 有车, 有稳定工作有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

18.) 您的社会地位对你来您说有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

19.) 您未来爱人的社会地位对您有多重要?

1. 不重要 2. 有点重要 3. 比较重要 4. 重要 5. 非常重要

20.) 如果你的男朋友(女朋友)经济条件不富裕,当您向朋友介绍他(她)时,您会觉

得自在吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

21.) 如果您未来的生活伴侣(爱人)经济条件不富裕,当您向家人介绍他(她)时, 您会觉得

自在吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

22.) 如果您的子女与一个物质基础较差的对象结婚,您会觉得自在吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

23.) 您会与比您社会地位低的人结婚吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

24.) 您会允许自己的子女与比自己社会地位低的人结婚吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

25.) 您会考虑和一个不富裕但勤奋工作的人结婚吗?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

26.) 您认为未来另一半最重要的物质条件是什么?

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EFFECTS OF MATERIALISM ON COLLEGE STUDENTS MARITAL CHOICES 48

1. 汽车 2. 房子 3. 稳定的工作 4. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

27.) 您是否认为物质财富能给您带来安全感?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

28.) 在没有物质财富的前提下,您是否认为您可以过上安定的生活?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

29.) 您是否认为物质财富可以为您的婚姻带来幸福?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

30.) 您是否认为即使没有物质财富您仍然可以拥有一个美满的婚姻?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

31.) 基础你的观察和认识,你是否认为有钱的夫妻比没那么有钱的夫妻更幸福?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

32.) 你是否会支持自己的朋友和一个来自经济条件差的人结婚?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

33.) 如果没有钱,你是否会依然被你的朋友和家庭接受?

1. 是 2. 否 3. 如果不确定,请在 "其他" 选项中说明

备注: 如果您愿意让研究人员对关于此研究的后续问题进行跟踪调查,请留下你您的联系

方式: 姓名, 手机, 电子邮箱, 其他. 如果你您对此项研究有任何疑问,请联系本人,手机

号码为. 13336101241.