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The modern family became more couple-centric. In a world of communication and connectivity the Chinese society adapted to the new ways rather quickly. With the rapid growth of the Chinese economy came a growth in Western influences. For the sake of population control, late marriage and childbirth was encouraged.ĭivorce was made easier to obtain, which meant that unlike in old times, couples would not have to stay in a loveless marriage just for the sake of their parents and children.įor more on how things were, see Ancient Chinese Marriage Customs. Women were given more rights and the minimum age for marriage was raised (22 for men, 20 for women). In 1981 marriage laws were revised again. These laws advocated freedom of choosing ones' partners, equal rights for both sexes and respect for the elderly and care for the young.Įven though the laws were made, their implementation was still a major problem (owing to ever-changing national priorities in the early Communist era).Īfter undergoing the 10-year-long Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Chinese society experienced a decline in its long-held moral values, which resulted in a value vacuum and a reassertion of feudal era practices with greater force. Some of these laws included prohibition of live-in relationships, child marriage, and interference with the remarriage of widows. In the 1950s new laws were introduced to the social scene in order to reform feudal practices and make more room for individuals and their needs. So much so that elders may now even be facing a complete lack of respect from youngsters as they march towards a more individualistic society.
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In present times, the norms of respect for elders are also changing drastically. Filial Piety and Its Slow Disappearance from China This generation is also held responsible for the further deterioration of the traditional Chinese family.
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The pressure that the whole generation underwent during its developmental years resulted in a generation of disturbed individuals who lack focus and a sense of responsibility. The extra-focused upbringing of a single child by parents and grandparents lead to a generation of spoiled individuals who would later be regarded as the self-centered, disobedient lot (“the Chinese millennials”). This restriction resulted in too much pressure on a single (male) child which consequently led to what is known as the "Little Emperor Syndrome". Since, in China a male child is responsible for the continuation of the family lineage, female infanticide became common. The One-Child PolicyĪfter the implementation of the one-child policy (1979-2015), Chinese society faced some major social imbalances. Chinese people often end up making important life decisions just because of the pressure from their elders. Where independence is encouraged early on in a child's life in the West, in China interdependence is taught, practiced and encouraged.Ĭhildren are not just raised by parents but often two or four grandparents too (usually firstly paternal grandparents). How Changes in China Are Affecting Family ValuesĮven though times and attitudes are changing, some of the practices are so deep rooted within the culture that it is almost impossible to erase them completely. Women's role in the family was firstly as child bearers, then as home makers and workers, always subservient to the men of the house. For example, if Miss Wang marries Mr Li, she becomes Mrs Wang, not Mrs Li. The names for family members on the maternal side begin with wai meaning 'outside'.Įmphasizing their external position, women who marry in China don't adopt their husbands' family name and retain their own family name. In the Chinese family every relation has a different name. Therefore, even after marrying into a household, women are seen as the outsiders. In addition to being patriarchal, Chinese society is patrilineal. Men vs Women: Patriarchal Influence on the Family They were rigorously trained and prepared to serve their elders. Youngsters were always at the receiving end of family decisions. Children had no authority over their own life and decisions were always made for them.