ABSTRACT
Heterosexual marriage is endorsed by the state and remains socially the most celebrated form of intimate and sexual union. Marriage maintains a secure grip on individuals and dominates the definition of ‘normal’ life. This chapter discusses the cultural meanings of heterosexual monogamous marriage in contemporary urban China and the emerging discontent that poses challenges to it. It serves as a brief overview of issues and debates related to the institution of marriage, with a focus on the period after the year 2000. The chapter also discusses issues surrounding marriage such as the widely discussed topic of ‘leftover women’ or shengnu, that is, women at or above marital age who remain unmarried. It discusses the various challenges made by the increasingly visible communities of lesbians and gays to the dominant institution of heteronormative marriage.
