Another case, in addition to that of the yen (see the previous Spark) of conditioned desires, is that of Chinese husbands who prefer, unlike what happened in the past, to have a wife who earns. As long as… as long as you don't earn more than them. The 'Social Sciences Academic Press' yesterday published the 'Annual Report on Social Mentality in China 2012-13', which includes a chapter on the criteria used to choose a husband or wife.
Rising cost of living and rising aspirations have led more men to want their spouse to bring home some income. But only 1% would like the income to be higher than that of the husband. However, 27,5% of men, in 2010, accept that their wife earns as much as they do (the percentage is growing compared to 18% in 2005).
Age differences are also narrowing. In 2005 women accepted, on average, an age difference ranging from a minimum of 4 years to a maximum of almost 13, while in 2010 the desired age difference ranged from 1 to 8 years. The men, for their part, wanted an age difference that went from 5 years less than the man to a year more.
http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-01/08/content_16093245.htm
