Harmonies and tensions in Chinese intergenerational communication

Abstract

Abstract:This study examined interview accounts of intergenerational communication from twenty younger adults (M age = 24.05; Age range: 19 to 33) and thirteen older adults (M age = 67.10; Age range: 62 to 72) in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed into Chinese. Meaningful descriptions of intergenerational communication were then translated to English.Using an emergent theme analysis approach, we identified themes that fell into three broad areas: 1) positive intergenerational communication behaviors, 2) negative intergenerational behaviors, and 3) ideal intergenerational communication. The analysis also revealed that some themes of the two age groups were congruent (e.g., the mutual endorsement of filial piety), while others were incongruent with each other (e.g., disagreement on perceptions on equality and superiority). Themes are compared to descriptions of intergenerational communication found in research within Western cultures. Themes are also discussed in relation to cross-cultural intergenerational research, the Communication Predicament of Aging model, and the changing Chinese economic and political system. Text of paper:Harmonies Lawrence, KS 66045-2177 USAAs communication and aging research has become more popular due to the demographic increase in the older population and humanistic concerns for the psychological well-being of these individuals, studies on intergenerational communication have increased (Cai, Giles, & Noels, 1998; Giles, Harwood, Pierson, Clément, & Fox, 1998;Giles, Liang, Noels, & McCann, 1999;Noels, Giles, Gallois, & Ng, 1999). The Communicative Predicament of Aging (CPA) model (Ryan, Giles, Bartolucci, & Henwood, 1986) has provided the theoretical framework for much of the intergenerational communication research. This model, grounded in Communication Accommodation Theory , outlines how the recognition of age cues by a younger communicator may prompt negative age stereotypes of incompetence and dependence. These stereotypes, in turn, suggest the need for speech accommodations on the part of the younger communicator (e.g., slow speech, loud speech, and simplified vocabulary) to help the older person to process the talk. Unfortunately, according to the CPA model, this over-accommodation to negative age stereotypes may create a negative feedback cycle for older individuals, leading to loss of self-esteem, emotional decline, and reinforcement of age stereotypical behaviors.Research has not only supported the basic tenets of the CPA model (see Harwood, Giles, & Ryan, 1995;Ryan, Hummert, & Boich, 1995), but has extended the model to encompass the operation of positive as well as negative age stereotypes (Hummert, 1994;Hummert, Garstka, Shaner, & Henry, 1998), and potentially harmful and unsatisfactory old-to-young and young-to-old communication . Harmonies and tensions in Chinese intergenerational communication: Younger and older adults' accounts. Journal of Asian Pacific Communication, 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/japc.11.2.06zha, O...

Older Adults in Prime-Time Television Dramas in Taiwan: Prevalence, Portrayal, and Communication Interaction

“…By presenting blind obedience of young people to the wishes of their elders as the norm, the portrayal of intergenerational interactions on Taiwanese television not only reinforced the traditional age hierarchy, but also reinforced an extreme interpretation of the behavior required by filial piety. Zhang and Hummert (2001) reported that although younger adults endorsed the concept of elder respect, they also expressed a desire for equal status with older adults in intergenerational interactions. It seems that respecting older persons, but not necessarily obeying them blindly is a new cultural protocol in Chinese societies.…”

“…This process involved numerous revisions of the categories/themes identified. In addition, the identified themes were referenced to the communication and aging literature (e.g., Coupland & Coupland, 1990;Harwood & Giles, 1992;Zhang & Hummert, 2001). .…”

Initiating Factors of Chinese Intergenerational Conflict: Young Adults' Written Accounts

“…Chinese participants might have intentionally avoided conflicts with family elders to report to hide dysfunctional family relations (for similar argument see Zhang & Hummert, 2001). However, it is unlikely the case given the voluntary and anonymous basis of this research.…”

“…6 intergenerational relations (Ng et al, 1997;Yue & Ng, 1999;Zhang & Hummert, 2001). One goal of the current research is to identify the initiating factors of intergenerational conflict in the Chinese cultural context, where the norm of filial piety specifies hierarchy with young people having a subordinate role in intergenerational relations (Ng et al, 1997;Zhang & Hummert, 2001). Examination of the conditions where intergenerational conflict begins and arises contributes to our understanding of the power dynamics of intergenerational interaction and the impact of the Chinese culture norms of hierarchy and filial piety on intergenerational communication.…”

“…Publisher's official version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:JCCG.0000044686.61485.94, Open Access version: http://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/dspace/. 6 intergenerational relations (Ng et al, 1997;Yue & Ng, 1999;Zhang & Hummert, 2001). One goal of the current research is to identify the initiating factors of intergenerational conflict in the Chinese cultural context, where the norm of filial piety specifies hierarchy with young people having a subordinate role in intergenerational relations (Ng et al, 1997;Zhang & Hummert, 2001).…”