I recently read an interesting magazine article about a theory that an additional signficant roadblock to emancipation is the archaic (sexual) prey pattern of women - who tend to marry "upwards" rather than "downwards". That refers both to body size and economical/social class. On the other hand, men have less problems marrying "downwards" and rather go for physical attractiveness.

The genetic reasons for this behaviour are pretty obvious - a strong, socially settled man can much more likely provide shelter and food for the family in societies based on hunting mammuts (rather than on applying IT).

The problematic consequence, however, for our modern society: A more settled, usually older husband will unlikely be the one to step back with his career. From the start the power is unevenly distributed in the relationship.

Besides, the air gets thinner for the more successful women, because further upwards there is less to prey on.

Please forgive me that I did not try to post this in Mandarin!