Abstract

Due to the different cultural traditions, there are many kinds of differences in the marriage concepts between Chinese and Americans. As the representative works of Chinese writers who are the second generation of immigrants, The Joy Luck Club is the best sample to research the differences in marriage concepts between Chinese and Americans. The conflicts among the characters mainly reveal the three differences in marriage concepts: the method of choosing a spouse, the purpose of marriage and family status. Whereas the differences can be explained by various theories, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, which has a considerable influence in the field of intercultural theories, offers one of the most powerful explanations for these differences. Therefore, this thesis analyzes the reasons for the differences in marriage from three of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions: individualism vs. collectivism, long-term vs. short-term orientation and power distance. This thesis aims to promote the communication and understanding between the two countries and establish a more harmonious world.

Keywords: cultural difference; The Joy Luck Club; marriage concepts;

          cultural dimensions theory

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Major Differences in Marriage Concepts in The Joy Luck Club-3

3.1 Choosing a Spouse-3

3.2 The Purpose of Marriage-4

3.3 Family Status-6

4. Major Reasons for the Differences-7

4.1 Individualism vs. Collectivism-8

4.2 Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation-9

4.3 High Power Distance vs. Low Power Distance-10

5. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13