The power of culture: the gendered impact of family structures and living arrangements on social networks of Chinese older adults

Abstract

Most of the extant literature on the fertility history and social networks of older adults has focused on advanced societies. Nevertheless, a limited number of studies have explored how culturally preferred family structures or living arrangements are related to older adults’ social networks in developing societies. This study examined these issues in the Chinese context and paid particular attention to the filial piety and preference for sons dominating Chinese society. Using nationally representative data of adults aged 60 and over from China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey in 2016, we constructed family and friend network scores following previous studies and developed linear models using multiple imputation for the missing data. The results suggested that childless older adults were the most disadvantaged in receiving support from family networks. Despite China's patrilineal culture, daughters were important sources of support. In terms of friend networks, older men who had no sons were least likely to receive support while co-residing with a partner and a son(s) might benefit them. Further analysis revealed that older rural women, but not older urban women, also had more support from friend networks if living with sons, implying urban–rural differences. Given the impact of social networks on older adults’ health and wellbeing, older Chinese people with no sons might need more support from other sources, such as aged-care programmes from public institutions, to achieve healthy ageing.

Widowhood, social networks, and mental health among Chinese older adults: The moderating effects of gender

“…We used baseline survey data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), conducted by a team of researchers at Renmin University of China 1 ( Tang et al, 2020 ; Zhao et al, 2020 ). The baseline survey was conducted between July and December 2014.…”

Not your destiny: Autonomy in marriage choices and the intergenerational transmission of domestic violence among Chinese women

“…The Chinese people share the Confucian norm of filial piety-that children have to show obedience to older generations. Even after marriage, young couples were once obligated to prioritize their parents' needs above other family responsibilities (Chen, Short, and Entwisle 2000;Zhao, Yang, and Zhang 2020). This authoritarian family system might affect the intergenerational transmission of domestic violence in two ways.…”

Preparing the Younger Generation for an Aging Society: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…Cultural and socio-economic factors shape the success of efforts to prepare the younger generation for an aging society. Socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and family structures influence attitudes toward aging and the willingness to engage in intergenerational initiatives [ 28 , 29 ]. Understanding these contextual factors is crucial for developing effective strategies that resonate with diverse communities.…”