Many high-powered women yearn for marriage, but find men spurning them because of their professional status or dedication to their careers. Sociologist Dr. Sandy To discusses her research on China’s “leftover women,” the gender constraints they face, and 4 different partner choice strategies they employ.  

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In ep. 168 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, sociologist and author Dr. Sandy To discusses

• her research on China’s “leftover women” phenomenon (sheng nü)  

• her book China’s leftover women: Late marriage among professional women and its consequences

• how her research relates to highly educated career women across the world

• whether traditional marriage has lost its appeal among the new generations of economically independent women

• gender constraints these women face, e.g. being discriminated against due to their high achievements or being forced to choose between marriage and a career

• 4 types of women performing 4 different partner choice strategies: Maximizers, Satisficers, Innovators and Traditionalists 

• what the 4 types of women are looking for in potential partners, regarding, for instance, economics and egalitarianism

• the self-help book Sandy is writing, based on her doctoral research

• Sandy’s 3 little hacks for life.

Scroll down to learn more about Sandy’s work.

Here Sandy writes about her family, books falling from bookshelves, and having to be strong.

Read Dr. Micki Pistorius’ insights into the way men view relationships.

Feel free to click on Home and browse this website for articles and podcasts on more fulfilling love relationships, easier parenting, and upping your emotional well-being.

About Sandy

Dr. Sandy To is a sociologist with a PhD from the University of Cambridge who writes and speaks globally about women’s partner choices on TV, radio, podcasts, and seminars. She is the author of the acclaimed book, China’s Leftover Women: Late Marriage among Professional Women and its Consequences (Routledge), and she has been featured in numerous media outlets such as the BBC, CNN, TIME, Financial Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, South China Morning Post, and Tatler Hong Kong.

You can find out more about Dr. Sandy To’s book, articles and latest news on her website: sandyto.com

Follow Dr. Sandy To on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-to-phd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sandytolau/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyTo3

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandyto5293

Thumbnail image: Unsplash

Photograph of Dr. Sandy To: supplied