Chinese Cyber-Matched Brides vs. Mail-Ordered Brides: Victims of Spousal Abuse?

• In Event: Victimization of Women Around the World

Abstract

Based on in-depth interviews with 12 Chinese cyber-matched brides, this qualitative study explores their marital relationship with their American husbands. By comparing their unique life experiences with Mail-ordered brides reported in the literature, this study identifies differences in their demographic backgrounds, motivation to immigration, and social/legal environments. It is suggested that Chinese cyber-matched brides, as a new female immigrant group in the 21th century, possess much more power and control in their marriages due to their education, non-traditional values, financial resources in China, and the social/legal supports available to them. The findings of this study challenges the stereotype of cyber-matched brides depicted by the media and raises a serious question about their status as victims of spousal abuse.

Authors

• Amy Y Situ-Liu, Stockton University

• Peter W Liu, Monmouth University