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Difference between revisions of "Ernai (China)"
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''Ernai'' seem to be modern concubines in China, though their legitimacy remains questionable: it is an informal but not illegal practice in China nowadays. They differ from prostitutes who only “solve the problem” - i.e., satisfy men’s basic physical needs (Osburg, 2016). Social elites despise overt commercial sex with prostitutes, which is the solution for charmless men who are unable to attract mistresses or ''ernai'' with their appearances, fortunes, or power. When the relationship ends, ''ernai'' typically would receive “buyout” compensations from her man. These compensations include stipends and properties that could support the rest of ''ernai''’s life and her children. | ''Ernai'' seem to be modern concubines in China, though their legitimacy remains questionable: it is an informal but not illegal practice in China nowadays. They differ from prostitutes who only “solve the problem” - i.e., satisfy men’s basic physical needs (Osburg, 2016). Social elites despise overt commercial sex with prostitutes, which is the solution for charmless men who are unable to attract mistresses or ''ernai'' with their appearances, fortunes, or power. When the relationship ends, ''ernai'' typically would receive “buyout” compensations from her man. These compensations include stipends and properties that could support the rest of ''ernai''’s life and her children. | ||
In the global context, informal polygamy or other similar extramarital relations are rather common. ''Toqal'', a second or “unofficial” wife (Suleimenov, 2020) in post-communist Kazakhstan, is very similar to the ''ernai'' in its neighbour country, China. ''Toqal'' derives from Islamic traditions; some other religions also endorse polygamous doctrines and practices. For instance, Fundamentalist Mormonism in Utah State in the USA practices polygamy, which was decriminalised in 2020. | In the global context, informal polygamy or other similar extramarital relations are rather common. ''[[Toqal]]'', a second or “unofficial” wife (Suleimenov, 2020) in post-communist Kazakhstan, is very similar to the ''ernai'' in its neighbour country, China. ''Toqal'' derives from Islamic traditions; some other religions also endorse polygamous doctrines and practices. For instance, Fundamentalist Mormonism in Utah State in the USA practices polygamy, which was decriminalised in 2020. | ||
Aside from polygamy based on centuries-old customs or religions, a variety of extramarital relationships similar to ''ernai'' exist worldwide. In Russian, ''soderzhanka'' stands for a kept woman, one who is living on the money of her partner. She plays the role between mistress and wife, as an ''ernai'' does in Chinese society. In the West, a similar phenomenon ''ernai'' is the “sugar baby” – typically a young person kept by a wealthier senior (Pardiwalla, 2017). | Aside from polygamy based on centuries-old customs or religions, a variety of extramarital relationships similar to ''ernai'' exist worldwide. In Russian, ''soderzhanka'' stands for a kept woman, one who is living on the money of her partner. She plays the role between mistress and wife, as an ''ernai'' does in Chinese society. In the West, a similar phenomenon ''ernai'' is the “sugar baby” – typically a young person kept by a wealthier senior (Pardiwalla, 2017). | ||