A Study on the Typologies of Family Values by Generation using Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

This study identified and compared family values within and across different generations concerning gender roles, attitudes toward diverse families, children, and parental roles. Data were obtained from the 2020 Seoul Family Report Survey. There were 1,949 study subjects, including first- and second-generation baby boomers and individuals in generations X, Y, and Z in Korea. Latent profile analyses were conducted using M-plus. Perceptions and views concerning family values were classified into different types. The main findings were as follows. Two types were identified among first baby boomers, and three were identified among second baby boomers. Most of the first and second baby boomers belonged to the “moderate” type. Two types were detected among those in Generation X. Regarding gender roles, most views of Generation X were slightly progressive, while their other family values were more moderate. Three types were identified among those in Generation Y: “progressive,” “moderate,” and “very liberal.” Generation Z was identified as a “progressive” group. This study provides basic data to explore the direction of the coexistence of generations by identifying and comparing diverse family values within and across generations.