Changing Asian Economies and Divergent Impressions of Western Masculinity: China and the Philippines

Abstract

Based on ethnographic research conducted at online dating agencies in China and the Philippines, this article examines the life histories and decision-making processes of local women who seek marriages with Western men. The Western media often portrays the stereotypical Asian “email-order bride” as a young, financially struggling woman marrying an older man for material benefits. However, recent research shows that poverty is not the sole motivator for some women. This article contributes to the academic literature challenging simplistic assumptions about why Asian women seek Western men by comparing the different motivations of Chinese and Filipina marriage migrants. In the Philippines, most female clients of global dating agencies are under 30 whereas Chinese clients are predominantly in their 40s and 50s. This article explores why Western men appeal to younger Filipina women but primarily attract middle-aged Chinese women. We examine how Chinese and Filipina women differently perceive Western men based on their own distinct cultural, political, and economic contexts and personal life situations. We also explore how class differences within China shape women’s views on marriage migration. By considering factors beyond race, our work underscores the importance of an intersectional approach to study global marriage migration. Through the lens of global internet dating, we gain insights into how broader socio-structural transformations impact the construction of masculinity at the micro level.