Navigating Affection: The Romantic Journeys of Modern Chinese Urban Women as Portrayed in Happy Home Magazine (1936-1949)

Аннотация

This article investigates the multifaceted romantic experiences of modern Chinese urban women during the period of 1936 to 1949, as documented and discussed within the pages of Happy Home Magazine. By analyzing the magazine's content, including advice columns, articles, and reader contributions, this study identifies the principal challenges women encountered in courtship and marriage, alongside the proactive efforts they undertook to navigate these complexities. The research highlights the tension between evolving modern ideals of love and persistent traditional societal expectations, the dilemmas inherent in selecting a suitable partner, and the strategies employed for fostering successful relationships. Through a detailed examination of Happy Home, this paper offers a nuanced understanding of the social and emotional realities faced by urban Chinese women during a transformative era. Keywords: Modern Chinese urban women, romantic relationships, Happy Home magazine, 1936-1949, gender, popular culture, women’s magazines, social history, female subjectivity, media analysis.