The challenges of a stepfamily in Hong Kong Chinese culture

Abstract

The emphasis on nuclear family in Asia has often omitted experiences of remarried individuals, where aspects such as parent-child interaction and relationship have had specific implications for family well-being. This qualitative study interviewed 8 remarried parents and 11 social workers to explore the remarriage experiences in Hong Kong. The findings reveal four themes of Hong Kong remarried couples: 1) reasons for remarriage and factors hindering remarriage decision; 2) relationship with stepchildren become the biggest challenges in remarried relationships; 3) psychological and cultural factors contribute to negative stepparent-child relationship; and 4) the transition of remarriage--social service implementations. The findings extend perspectives around the contextualization of remarriage in the Hong Kong Chinese culture. The core values of family harmony, blood and family ties, plus societal stereotypes, are revisited with reference to the Chinese culture. It is recommended that social workers demonstrate more cultural sensitivity in their practices and offer different services to support blended families.