Any talk of choosing between good jobs and marrying wealthy men used to create a social controversy even in the 1990s. But a recent survey shows that up to 70 percent of the respondents consider marrying a rich man more important, taking scholars in women studies by surprise. Unfortunately, such a mentality is prevalent among many women today, says an article on eastday.com. Excerpts:

It has become more difficult, especially for women, to find a suitable job. Reports show that requirements for certain professions clearly stipulate that women are not qualified to apply or set extreme demands for woman candidates to fulfill. Given such heavy employment pressure and social discrimination, women have been forced to change their orientation.

Besides, the prevailing reality seems to have strengthened their belief in "good marriage" because some women are living a life of affluence after marrying rich men.

On one hand, this social phenomenon highlights women's low independence level and lack of courage to enter society.

On the other, society has failed to offer women enough job opportunities and favorable vacancies, showing gender discrimination is far from being eradicated.

The traditional belief that "man goes out to work while woman looks after the house" has made them psychologically more dependent on their husbands. But by doing so, women may be wasting their education.

A marriage should not be judged by money alone because money cannot buy genuine happiness. That's why many women are appealing to authorities to create a non-discriminatory and just environment.

The authorities should indeed create preferential positions for women that will make them attach more importance to jobs than marriage.  

(China Daily 12/06/2011 page9)