mail-order bride

A mail-order bride is a woman who lists herself in catalogs and is selected by a man for marriage. In the twentieth century, the trend was primarily towards women living in developing countries seeking men in more developed nations. Men who list themselves in such publications are referred to as "mail-order husbands", although this is much less common. As of 2002, there were an estimated 100,000-150,000 mail order brides, worldwide. The term mail-order bride has been criticized by international marriage agencies, who nevertheless continue to use it as an easily recognizable term. Women of Asian descent have also criticized the term, which they consider stigmatizing to women in such relationships. Consequently, some researchers have rejected the term. Demographics Around 100,000 to 150,000 women advertise themselves as mail-order brides, globally. Of these, around 4,000 to 6,000 are married to American men every year, according to INS estimates. More mail order brides originate from the Philippines than any other country, in spite of the illegality of mail order brides in the Philippines.