“Leftover? I am a victorious woman!”– the potential for the emergence of a new womanhood

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the last decade, there has been a significant rise in the number of well-educated, highly paid, and independent unmarried women who have been officially defined as sheng nü (“leftover women”) in China. Despite the presence of the term in media and political discourses, the voices of these women are rarely heard. This study explores their lived experiences regarding the meaning of singlehood through 26 interviews with Chinese sheng nü. This study argues that they are positively challenging the dominant societal identity and creating an alternative idea of womanhood by valuing independence and connections with others. In the active transformation of their identities, in reflecting upon their own values, in making choices for meaningful relationships with others, and in resisting patriarchal formations of womanhood in interaction with others. Thereby, they demonstrate the potential for change.