Research on the Changing Perspectives on Romantic Love among Chinese International Students at the University of Toronto

Abstract

In the era of globalization, many Chinese students study abroad. As a University of Toronto student, the author is interested in the romantic love narratives of Chinese international students. These students are more confident in expressing emotions and have different views on marriage compared to their parents, leading to a sense of contradiction. By applying an individualist perspective, this research carefully studies the love narratives of Chinese international students at the University of Toronto. The interview in this study carefully curated questions about discussing a conflict in romantic relationships, disclosing the core perspectives towards romantic relationships between couples. This paper adopts the individualism approach by which the author can further explore the micro perspective. The study shows that Chinese international students’ pursuit of happiness in romantic relationships is not an isolated endeavor but is deeply entwined with broader social and cultural contexts, requiring a delicate balance between individual fulfillment and collective harmony. This research illuminate the complex interplay between individual agency and societal norms in shaping perceptions of love, offering valuable insights for future research aimed at unraveling the multifaceted dimensions of romantic relationships across cultural contexts.