The Changes in Mainland Chinese Families During the Social Transition: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

China has seen a rapid urbanization and industrialization, and a dramatic improvement in the quality of life and living conditions since its economic reform started in 1980s. The changes in the social and economic context, and implementation of One Child Family Policy led to noticeable changes in family structure and relationship. While traditional extended families exist, there occur multiple forms of Chinese families, i.e. nuclear families, single-parent families, DINK families, the single person household and the cohabitant household. Some scholars view the changes as the deterioration of marriage and family values and growing emphasis on individualism. The current paper critically analyzes the major studies of Chinese families to understand the changes in family relationship, structure and values over the past 30 years. Three questions are asked: Has Chinese family become nuclear in structure and diverse in form? Have Chinese shifted their values from collective interests to individual interests? Has Chinese marriage become less important? The extended family is the dominant functional family form in which children and elderly are taken care of while nuclear family is the most common form. Single-person family, singleparent family, remarried family and childless family are a fraction of the population. Families continue to prioritize collective interest over individual interest. Overall Chinese value marriage. The first marriage is postponed. Premarital sex is less stigmatized, but cohabitation remains marginalized. Contemporary family is fluid and dynamic.

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