adultery, ancient china, divorce, patriarchal ethics, repudiation

Divorce Requirements in Ancient China

In ancient China, if a man wanted to divorce his spouse, he could not do it on a whim; he had to fulfill the requirements for divorce. In the ancient divorce system, repudiation was the most typical form of divorce.  If the wife failed her responsibilities in one of the seven areas the ancients held ...

Helen London

Young Asian woman wearing a traditional red and gold kwan kwa wedding dress.

6 Reasons Why Divorce Is Not the Best Solution

Marriages have ups and downs, and almost every couple has thought about divorce at least once. In the U.S., the rate is about 40-50 percent for first marriages and 60-70 percent for second marriages. The numbers aren’t very different across many countries worldwide. Of course, there are valid grounds for divorcing, such as infidelity, physical ...

Nathan Machoka

Marriage versus Divorce written on paper arrows.

Getting a Prenup: The Pros and Cons of Prenuptial Agreements

Marriage is a significant step in life, and couples should contemplate various aspects before tying the knot. One such consideration is having prenuptial agreements, popularly known as prenups. But what are their benefits? Who benefits from them? And is it bad if your partner wants one? Understanding prenuptial agreements They are a blueprint for asset ...

Nathan Machoka

A prenuptial agreement.

What Makes a Marriage Thrive for a Lifetime? (Part 1)

This is part one of a three-part series; see Part 2 and Part 3 The divorce rate in China has soared from 2 percent in the 1970s to 40 percent today. In this commodity and consumer-driven world, so many modern marriages are fleeting and disposable, with many now heading for the rocks. Marriages have become ...

Michael Segarty

A happy newly married couple.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Case: Healing a Troubled Heart

In my traditional Chinese medicine practice, one of my patients is a 53-year-old female physician. Her ex-husband is also a physician and they have two sons. Every year, their whole family often goes vacationing abroad. In many people’s eyes, their marriage was made in Heaven. However, one day, she discovered all the money in the bank ...

Emma Lu

A broken heart propped up in the crack of a log with pale blue flowers sitting next to it.

Changing Your Situation Leads to Experiencing Exciting New Opportunities

“Life is hard!” This statement has been heard many a time throughout the generations. If you have the heart to engage in hard work and the courage to pursue creative new opportunities, life can become very different and even prosperous. Such is the story of Levis Strauss and Jacob Davis. Changing your fortune by seeking ...

Emma Lu

A man holding a lightbulb so that it appears to be replacing the sun at sunset.

Why Divorce Is So Common in Today’s Society

The family is considered the cornerstone of society due to its contributing role to social stability. However, in today’s society, divorce is commonplace. So just why has this happened? According to surveys on the subject, the number of divorces each year has increased exponentially. Many families have fallen apart, and as a result, children’s education has ...

Tatiana Denning

A broken heart.

Study Shows Effects of Chinese Divorce Law on Women’s Well-Being

In 2011, previously under China’s 1980 Marriage Law, marital houses were considered joint property. While gender-neutral in its language, the 2011 ruling seemed likely to advantage men over women since most family homes in China are deeded to husbands, who by custom are expected to provide a house as a prerequisite for marriage. The new ...

Troy Oakes

A young Chinese woman.

The Day After My Divorce

The divorce finally went through yesterday. Even though my parents opposed this because they believed our two children would not have a complete home, I couldn’t bear it anymore. I feel sorry for our children, but I will provide them with child support so they are not wanting. They will still carry on my family ...

Emma Lu

A divorce.

Money, Love, and Family: A Chinese Fairy Tale Without a Happy Ending

In 1997, a Chinese couple moved to Canada with big dreams. They became quite successful and eventually ended up making millions. However, their marriage soon started to disintegrate and the couple eventually ended up in what the Supreme Court judged as “unrestrained warfare.” The husband, YZ, and the wife, AC, whose names have been hidden ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese fairy-tale setting.