恋愛・結婚は勝ち組しかできない時代に？東京一極集中が「高望み」を促進する
男性も、女性の年収を結婚相手としてみる場合には重視する時代になったと書いた。さらには、超勝ち組男性は、「美人」というだけではもはやその女性に魅力を感じなくなっていると思う。顔が綺麗なのは当然として、身長が高くてスタイルがいい、職業が勝ち組の職業、自分と釣り合う教養、なども評価対象になってくると思う。もちろん、男女ともに高望みになっているのだ。容姿・年収・社会的地位、全部そろっている人間などこの日本に1%くらいしかいないだろう。哲学でいうところの「イデア」（ありもしない理想論）に拘泥しているようだ。
※参考
女性の予想よりもずっと、男性は女性に高い年収を求めていることがわかる
特に、都心5区（港・中央・千代田・渋谷・新宿）在住のエリート層はそうだろう。ちょっとイケメン高年収、ちょっと美人で正社員というレベルでは相手にされないだろう。
東京一極集中が進めば進むほど、こうして男女は高望みになっていくだろう。なぜならば、都心のタワーマンションを買うには、パワーカップルである必要があるからだ。中学受験や留学も考えるとなおさらだ。
私の仮説だが、婚姻数を増やして人口を増やすには、東京一極集中を止めないといけない。東京一極集中が男女の高望みを促進するからだ。
※これは、韓国のソウルにも言えることだと思う。ソウルは不動産価格が高く、受験熱も強い。
残された時間は少ないと思う。それができないならば、もう選択肢は移民しかないだろう。
The Marriage "Winners" in Modern Society: An Analysis of Urbanization and Mate Selection Criteria
Introduction:
This essay examines the characteristics of the so-called "winners" in modern love and marriage, focusing on the underlying social structure, particularly in the context of urban concentration. The essay explores how urbanization and mate selection criteria are interconnected, leading to implications for marriage rates and population decline.
Characteristics of the "Winners":
The author argues that in contemporary society, there exists a group of individuals considered "winners" in the realm of love and marriage. These individuals are typically characterized by high income, physical attractiveness, good height and physique, prestigious careers, and high levels of education. Notably, in elite circles within urban centers, meeting these criteria is often considered a prerequisite for finding a partner.
Urbanization and Rising Expectations:
The phenomenon of urban concentration intensifies the competition for desirable partners. The high cost of living in urban areas necessitates a high income, while the abundance of attractive and successful individuals in these environments further elevates expectations. This trend leads to a situation where individuals who do not meet the aforementioned criteria may find it increasingly difficult to find a suitable partner.
The Case of Power Couples and Luxury Housing:
The desire for luxury housing, such as high-rise apartments in central locations, further accentuates the pressure to be a "winner" in the marriage market. Acquiring such properties often requires the combined income of two high-earning partners, creating a demand for "power couples." This dynamic intensifies the competition and pressure to conform to these societal expectations.
Marriage Rates, Population Decline, and Immigration:
The emphasis on high standards and the increasing difficulty of finding suitable partners in urban areas contribute to a decline in marriage rates. This, in turn, exacerbates the population decline problem in many countries. The author suggests that unless the trend of urban concentration is reversed or immigration policies are adjusted, addressing this issue may prove challenging.
Conclusion:
The essay provides valuable insights into the relationship between urban population structure and the marriage market. It highlights the growing competition and rising expectations in urban areas, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective on marriage beyond mere external factors. Ultimately, the essay encourages individuals to prioritize genuine compatibility, mutual respect, and communication in their pursuit of a fulfilling and lasting relationship.
Additional Points:
The essay could explore the potential negative consequences of the "winner-takes-all" mentality in the marriage market, such as increased anxiety, stress, and a sense of inadequacy among those who do not meet the societal criteria.
It could also discuss alternative perspectives on marriage and happiness, emphasizing that societal definitions of success do not necessarily align with individual fulfillment.
The essay could benefit from incorporating real-world data and statistics on marriage rates, population trends, and the characteristics of married couples in different urban and rural areas.
By delving deeper into these aspects, the essay can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the modern marriage market.