"Sheng Nu" and the Concept of "Leftover Women" in China

"Sheng nu" (剩女), a term coined in China, is usually translated into English as "leftover women". This derogatory term emerged in the last decade or so and is used to refer to educated, professional, single women who are over the age of 27 and are still unmarried.

The Origins of Sheng Nu

The All-China Women's Federation introduced the term "sheng nu" into the public discourse in a 2007 report. One key influencing factor is the one-child policy, implemented from 1979 until 2015. The policy led to a gender imbalance with more men than women, primarily due to a cultural preference for boys. This imbalance created a backdrop where the societal pressure on women to marry became even more intense.

The Pressure to Get Married in China

The term "sheng nu" reflects traditional gender expectations where women are supposed to prioritize marriage and motherhood over their career and personal interests. This societal bias tends to devalue women who choose to focus on their career and personal development over starting a family.

These women are often shown as overly choosy, self-centered, or deficient in some way. However, Sandy To, in her 2013 study, "China's Leftover Women: Late Marriage among Professional Women and its Consequences" noted that the reality is that these women are usually well-educated and successful in their fields.

The Economic Influence

Over the past few decades, China has experienced rapid economic growth, leading to increased opportunities for women. More women are obtaining higher education and entering the workforce, leading to an increase in women prioritizing their careers over marriage.

In her book, "Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China," Leta Hong Fincher suggests that the push for women to marry young often disadvantages them economically. Those who marry later, or not at all, tend to fare better economically. They typically have more time to focus on their careers and accumulate wealth.

New Perspectives

The term and concept of "sheng nu" have been met with resistance, especially among the women it is supposed to describe. Many single Chinese women are starting to challenge traditional norms and expectations. They push for the recognition that women should have the right to choose whether and when to marry.

This movement towards a more independent lifestyle free from the pressures of early marriage is growing. More women are embracing the term "sheng nu", reclaiming it as a symbol of their independence, success, and choice to live life on their terms.

A separate 2018 study by China Youth Daily showed that 46.8% of young respondents saw marriage as unnecessary and that they could lead satisfying lives as singles.

Conclusion

In essence, the "sheng nu" are not 'leftover' but rather 'standing out'. They are setting a new precedent for future generations, embodying a novel idea of success that doesn't necessarily involve marriage. As Chinese society continues to evolve, the "sheng nu" will undoubtedly play a crucial role in reshaping societal norms and expectations, redefining what it means to be a successful woman in modern China.