Abstract:

This study discusses the differences in marital value between young adults in China and America based on the contrast of TV dating shows and analyzes the cultural factors shaping and influencing marital values by applying Hofsteade’s value orientation theory. In Chapter One, the author reviews previous studies on Chinese and American marital values and identifies their weaknesses. Chapter Two gives a brief introduction to two popular TV dating shows in China and America If You are the One and Take Me out. In Chapter Three, with vivid examples from these shows, the author identifies four differences in marital value between young adults in the two countries, including mate selection, attitudes towards sex, decision-making power and attitudes towards divorce. In Chapter Four & Five, based on Hofsteade’s value orientation theory, the author analyzes the cultural causes for differences in marital values between young adults in China and America and finally draws a conclusion.

Key words: Chinese and American Marital values, TV dating show, Hofsteade’s value orientation theory

摘要:

本文将从相亲节目来分析中美婚姻观差异，并运用霍夫斯泰德价值维度理论来探索差异背后的文化因素。首先在引言中作者回顾了前人对中美婚姻观的研究成果，并指出不足。再者作者介绍了在中、美两国流行的相亲节目《非诚勿扰》和《执子之手》。第三章中，作者在对比了两节目中后概括出中、美两国年青人的婚姻观在几个方面的差异，主要有：择偶标准，对性的态度，婚姻决定权和对离婚的态度。最后运用霍夫斯泰德的价值维度理论分析了集体主义与个人主义、不确定性规避和男性化女性化等几个层面上中、美在婚姻观差异背后的文化因素，并做出总结。

关键词：中美婚姻观，相亲节目，霍夫斯泰德价值维度理论

1.    Introduction
In Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English (2000), the marriage is defined as the legal relationship between a husband and wife, the state of being married, and the ceremony in which two people become husband and wife. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in difference in marital values of China and America.
In 2009, the scholar Cai Qin writes an essay on American marital values based on TV series “How I Met Your Mother”. In her article, Cai suggests that American marital value be vivid reflection of equality and freedom. In America, sex is a normal topic.