The “Leftover” Women in China

This description of women in China is frightening and in my opinion, downright objectionable. The data on this info-graphic from the Shanghai Daily, was the result of a poll that gathered the opinions of close to 2000 women in Shanghai.

What is interesting is the fact that most of the women surveyed, did not consider the label of “leftover” to be insulting.

The single women who were interviewed, said that they started to feel different about being single from about the age of twenty six. They went on to say that their concern hit the highest point as they approached the age of thirty.

This brings me to the memory of a conversation between an old friend and her mother. I will never forget what her mother said to her. “All of your friends are married. You need to find a man. It doesn’t matter if you get married and divorced. After all, it’s better to be a divorced woman than a single woman at your age.” My friend was 28 at the time.

It seems difficult to comprehend that some people consider marriage to be the end all in a woman’s life. Don’t get me wrong. I believe in marriage and family. That said and knowing what I know now, women (and men) can have wonderful and fulfilling lives without a spouse. In addition, this kind of attitude in my opinion, does not take into account the pain that children of divorce experience.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please let me know what YOU think. Just click on the leave a message button on the lower right of this screen. (You don’t need to share your real name or email address.)