For long time we have been asked for this question by our clients. The phenomenon of the international marriage between a western
men and a Russian / Ukrainian woman has gained so much popularity that this phenomenon attracts the attention of people not
involved in the process. We would try to analyze this phenomenon from economical, social, psychological, demographic view points
and find out what motivates Russian women to leave their country and look for a spouse abroad.
We do not claim to present any scientific research or write a thesis. Besides, any generalization has little truth in it. That is why this
article is just an opinion based on the experience of working in the dating industry for considerable time, having lots of female friends
looking for a foreign spouse, personally trying this, collecting the public opinion, having some general observation in the society and
studying what mass media and Internet presents about this topic.
One more important thing should be said that not ALL unmarried Russian women are looking for a western husband. The majority is
more or less happily married to local men as everywhere in the world. A lot do not believe this will ever work out due to the mentality
and cultural differences, others are simply fearful of getting into a poor dependent position in foreign countries, some will never leave
their families, etc. In general, there are quite a few reasons against.
Economical aspect would be the most significant in favor of marrying a foreigner. Many countries of the former Soviet Union split now
are experiencing economical difficulties and the life standard of average citizens is quite low. This is aggravated by the political
instability and uncertainty in the future. The society has split into classes with increasing gap in between. People work really hard for
not big money. Such situation affected the image and a position of a Russian man. Being a family provider for all the time before men
loose their economical power, get scared to start a family and take a responsibility for it, family thinks twice before having children and
not working pensioners are in rather poor condition. Sometimes Russian women appear to adapt to new economical situation even
better and work as much as men and at times make more money. Private apartments are incredibly expensive and not many can
afford to take a bank loan. It does not mean the country is doomed to poverty, but the current hardship makes a woman seek
stability, better economical conditions for her future family and children, some confidence in the future and perspectives. There is a
misconception among many western men about the financial aspect of relationship with a Russian woman and about her
expectations. Especially when many write they do not want gold diggers.
When a woman states in her profile that she "is looking for a financial security" this means it's very important for her to know that her
future husband has a stable secure job and can provide for the family and for everything necessary for life. Many women work and
would like to continue work in a foreign country, many are very successful, but there is still essential to be sure a woman can rely on a
partner when she gives birth to a child and looks after it. So wants to be with a responsible man and in a safe and secure place to
raise children.
One can come across a scam artist easily online. But remember, if you are careful and follow some common-sense advice, you will be
able to meet the right person.
As a part of security for a woman and her future children come social life and aids granted by the government. Unfortunately in Russia,
Ukraine and Belarus, the law does defend a woman when she gets a divorce. Nominally she is granted 25% of her ex-husband's
income as the alimony for their children. The question of custody is rarely discussed and a child almost always remains with the
mother. And in fact not many ex-husbands care about their children; the figures in the financial documents are faked or "fathers" even
disappear. Helping children becomes a personal choice not the moral duty or the necessity demanded in the society.
Another even more important factor in favor of seeking a foreign husband is demographical situation.
Statistic rates give different figures, but in general the percentage of men and women in Russia is 46 to 54 correspondingly in Ukraine
it is 44 to 55.
In some areas the figures are even more pessimistic the ratio of men to women makes one to 3.
Apart from this sociologists draw attention to a characteristic feature of Russia - a 12 years gap between life span of men and
women. This appears unique in the world demographic situation.
Average life span of men make 58,5 years, as for women , it is 71,9 years. Specialists explain this as a result of poor economy, living
under pressure and hard work. Whatever the reasons are the demographic situation is against women and makes them widen their
search and consider marrying a man form another country.
The question Why Russian women are looking for partner abroad should be asked together with "Why Russian women are using the
service of introduction or marriage agencies". We will not write about how hard it can be to find a potential partner, especially after a
certain age. It is interesting that even using world web it is easier to get in touch with a foreigner interested in relationship then a fellow
country man. It is not a usual thing to meet through a local marriage agencies and an average Russian man is very cautions about a
woman's intentions to get married. In other words marriage is what scares men off here. When a woman applies to a dating agency,
especially an international one, she experiences attention from men that are interested in CREATING A FAMILY and long term
relationship and they clearly declare this. (We hope all the intentions are true). The clients often write us that they like that women
openly states she wants a family and children and this is her intent and the reason she placed her profile on the Internet or got
registered with the agency.
Another aspect is a family role a woman has played in most Eastern European countries for generations. Traditionally Russia and
Ukraine are patriarchal countries, with distinct gender roles both for men and women. It is changing now, but still the background and
family upbringing play a considerable role.
In 90 cases out of 100 even a very successful and a woman of substance will sacrifice her career and personal interests for the sake
of family and children. Even though young ladies are quite independent now and very career oriented, especially in big cities, family and
having children remains the main life mission of a woman as she has been taught by her Mom.
The majority of families are traditional and a girl from the early age is taught that the she will be responsible for keeping peace and
comfort in her family and has to learn patience and respect her husband. This is what probably makes Russian wives so attractive.
There is hardly a woman that can be comfortably single or divorced, even though she does not mind this. The public pressure is still
quite tough, consciously or not a Russian woman aims at marriage and family.
There are some more pros for looking a western husband from the side of A Russian woman. Some general complains on a Russian
spouse and comparisons would be that.
1. Western men help more about the house and generally do not load woman along with all the household duties and cares about the
child. They are more used to it and take day to day responsibilities matter-of-factly. On the contrary the majority of Russian men
think household duties are what a woman has to do even though she has a full time job.
2. Western men show more respect and appreciation to women; they care and court more and value woman's opinions and decisions.
3. Western men in general drink and smoke less. This can be explained by the years of state policy again smoking and limitation of
drinking in public places, but the result is what matters. Many Russian men drink and this turns a family life into hell.
4. Western men care about family and children, invest more time and efforts into the children's upbringing and do it more willingly.
One should also take into account the fact that many Russian women looking for a western partner have never been abroad and
never lived in a foreign countries and they may idealize life there and a potential foreign husband. The romantic search of something
new and imagining a Prince Charming speaking a foreign language may affect a woman's decision to take this endeavor.
To sum it up we should say that there may be a combination of different reasons why Russian woman are looking for western partners,
but the main one still remains searching for love, understanding, happy relationship.
