The Impact of Mahjong on Marital Relationships

Abstract

One of the national treasures, Mahjong, is a strategic card game originating from China, played competitively by constructing and optimizing card hands among four players. In the game, players aim to achieve specific combinations of cards, known as "winning hands," through actions such as drawing, discarding, pung, and kong. Mahjong not only tests memory and strategy but also integrates probability and chance, embodying profound cultural significance and social attributes. However, as Mahjong becomes a widely popular social activity, its impact on personal life has gradually become apparent. In this paper, I delve into the analysis of the effects of playing Mahjong on marital relationships, particularly the three negative effects it brings to women: Time Displacement: The uncertainty of Mahjong playing time leads to a reduction in shared time between spouses. Women may feel neglected due to the lack of companionship, leading to "Mahjong Panic Syndrome." Emotional Conflict: Mahjong playing can result in losses, and men may harbor "resentment from defeat" at the Mahjong table, which could be brought into the household and spark marital disputes. Social Isolation: Women may feel excluded from their partner's social circle if they do not participate in Mahjong activities, experiencing "marginalization at the card table." This study not only reveals the potential negative impact of late-night Mahjong returns on marital relationships but also provides new insights into communication and empathy between spouses from the perspectives of decision trees, time series analysis, and game theory. It also finds the optimal solution through Monte Carlo simulations.