2025-01-08
24 分钟Traditionally, being married typically meant living in the same house and city. However, a new study explores the rise of long-distance "commuter marriages" in China, driven by career aspirations or financial objectives. Couples in these arrangements often choose to live apart; while some may see each other once a week, others might only reunite during major holidays. What factors contribute to this trend, and is it sustainable? On the show: Niu Honglin, Ding Heng & Steve Hatherly.
Discussion keeps the world turning.
This is Roundtable.
Hello, welcome to Roundtable, where we serve up piping hot debates on the issues that sizzle in China and beyond.
I'm Liu Hong Lin.
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder.
But for some couples, it also makes the rent cheaper and career growth faster.
Living apart might sound like a romantic subplot from a sitcom, but for a growing number of young Chinese couples, it's their everyday reality.
The question is, are they living apart for a brighter future together?
Or does this compromise test the very foundations of their marriages?
For today's show, I'm joined by Ding Heng and Steve Hatherley.
Now grab your virtual compass and follow us to the heart of the discussion.
In a society where marriage often comes with the unspoken promise of daily companionship, more Chinese couples are choosing to rewrite the script.
By living in different cities, they are challenging traditional norms.
But are they also testing the limits of love and connection?
A new study examines the rise of long distance commuter marriages in China.
Driven by career and financial goals, they choose to live apart and only meet on weekends and holidays sometimes.
Will you choose commuter marriages?
What are the challenges faced by these couples?
So let's first talk a little bit about the new report.
What are some key findings?