This rather extensive seven unit chapter was written in recognition of the fact that the vast majority of foreign teachers in China are single men and, as such, they will meet, date, and perhaps even marry a Chinese woman. Despite the fact that Western men who arrive in China will find themselves surrounded by more than 700 million Chinese women, most do not have a very clear or realistic understanding of what to expect at all, which is to say that most Western men do not know very much about Chinese culture and how it impacts on child development, gender roles, social norms or customs. These seven units were written for them.
The material for this chapter is based on years of consensual anecdotal data (i.e., personal stories and accounts) supported by research data from external sources wherever possible. Obviously, there will always be exceptions to the rule. In that regard, the author seeks to make it abundantly clear that the purpose of this rather extensive chapter is not to challenge the validity, integrity or happiness of anyone's particular relationship or marriage but, rather, to inform and advise foreign men who have never dated Asian-born women before.
The reality is that the rate of divorce in intercultural marriages is significantly higher than it is for couples who were born and raised in the same culture. A good part of the reason for that is the general lack of awareness or full appreciation for those differences prior to dating and even marriage. This chapter simply seeks to identify some of those major differences in the hope of informing and better preparing those who will soon find themselves in cross-cultural relationships with a Chinese women.
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