A New Interpretation of the Traditional Chinese Marital Concept of "Mén Dāng Hù Duì" in the New Era

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to find and analyze the new consciousness, interpretations, and understandings of the traditional Chinese marital concept of "mén dāng hù duì" (门当户对) in the background of the new era. In the past, this principle primarily emphasized harmony in class status, economic wealth, and family background. Nowadays, however, its meanings and denotations have been greatly expanded. Non-material factors, such as educational attainment, intellectual compatibility, similar worldviews, life philosophies, and personal values (collectively referred to as "san guan"), shared interests and hobbies, personality, lifestyle, and basic value systems, have taken center stage in the selection of partners, especially among younger generations. In the current context, these criteria have taken on more complex, rich, and diverse interpretations, despite the fact that socioeconomic situation and background unquestionably influence and determine them. At that point, the theoretical framework and practical application of "mén dāng hù duì" are undergoing a significant shift from a straightforward socioeconomic matching to a more comprehensive correlation of the spiritual and personal realms. Non-material factors, such as educational attainment, intellectual compatibility, similar worldviews, life philosophies, and personal values (collectively referred to as "san guan"), shared interests and hobbies, personality, lifestyle, and basic value systems, have taken center stage in the selection of partners, especially among younger generations. In the current context, these criteria have taken on more complex, rich, and diverse interpretations, despite the fact that socioeconomic situation and background unquestionably influence and determine them. At that point, the theoretical framework and practical application of "mén dāng hù duì" are undergoing a significant shift from a straightforward socioeconomic matching to a more comprehensive correlation of the spiritual and personal realms.