Saturday, June 14, 2025

The Economics of Modern Love

Film Director/Writer Celine Song’s (Past Lives, Materialist) take:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/movies/celine-song-materialists.html
People want a mate who makes them feel like a more valuable commodity.
Song: Oh, yeah. And part of the frustration is, “With everything else, I can get the higher version because I can pay for it. So why not my partner?” You can upgrade a car, you can renovate a home, but people are people and they’re going to show up as they are. It’s a complete mystery why you’re going to connect with somebody. 

The career boost of marrying well
https://www.ft.com/content/e808e11b-fc0f-478b-9a98-82e56065a93b
Emotionally competent partners are valuable to workers and bosses alike.

Bride prices are surging in China
https://www.economist.com/china/2025/06/12/bride-prices-are-surging-in-china
Why is the government struggling to curb them?