The Dilemma of China’s Leftover Women: Navigating Conflicts in Traditional Ideology and Feminist Consciousness

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the trend of late marriage among Chinese youth, particularly women, leading to the emergence of the phenomenon known as “leftover women”. This study explores the complex dynamics of “leftover women” choices in the context of late marriage, considering the intersection of traditional values and inherent feminist consciousness. The study draws on social constructionism to investigate how traditional culture influences these women’s perceptions and decisions. Although society has changed, conventional Confucian concepts still exist and affect the marriage choices of contemporary Chinese women. This study highlights the influence of parental expectations. It uses secondary data to reveal the struggles and compromises “leftover women” faced in the negotiation between personal values and social norms. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity in Chinese women’s marital decision-making, revealing the challenges and internal conflicts they face in their pursuit of autonomy and personal fulfillment.