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The practice of family structure
Family structure in China
Families in China are currently categorized into four types according to their structure: nuclear families;lineal families, joint families, other types.Nuclear families
Nuclear families, or small families, consisting either of a married couple(or a divorced or widowed parent)with unmarried children or of a married couple without children;
Lineal families
Lineal families, consisting of two or more generations with each generation composed of one married couple(or a divorced person, widow, or widower);
Joint families
Joint families, consisting of two or more married couples(or divorced persons, widows, or widowers)of the same generation;
Other types
Other types, including single-person families or families consisting of siblings, relatives, and friends
The changes of family structure in China
China has changed greatly in recent years, including the changing of family structure.A traditional Chinese family generally consists of at least two generations of people including husband and wife and children and there universally exists the phenomenon of three generations, four generations and even five generations living under the same roof.A big family is often held in great esteem.However, along with social progre and epochal change, the size and structure of traditional Chinese families have undergone changes.Small size, simple structure and diversified patterns of families have become the main features of modern Chinese families.Since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy, to adapt to changes in the mode of social production and the style of life, traditional families of complicated structure and big size have been gradually transformed into families of simple structure and small size.Nowadays, more and more adults are moving out, leaving their elder parents alone.Many young couples now live with their parents not for family tradition, but rather because they cannot afford to buy a house or rent an apartment.Family structure in America
Families in America are currently categorized into four types according to their structure:Nuclear family ,Single-parent,Extended family.Nuclear family
The nuclear family is considered the “traditional” family.The nuclear family consists of a mother, father, and the children.The two-parent nuclear family has become le prevalent, and alternative family forms have become more common.These include homosexual relationships, single-parent households, and adopting individuals.Single-parent
A single-parent(also termed lone parent or sole parent)is a parent who cares for
one or more children without the aistance of the other biological parent.Single-parent homes are increasing more and more as married couples divorce, or as unexpected pre-marital pregnancies occur.The percentage of single-parent households has doubled in the last three decades, but that percentage tripled between 1900 and 1950.The sense of marriage as a “permanent” institution has been weakened, allowing individuals to consider leaving marriages more readily then they may have in the past.Step family
Step families are becoming more familiar in America.Divorce rates are rising and the remarriage rate is rising as well.Therefore,bringing two families together making step families.Extended family
The extended family consists of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.In some circumstances, the extended family comes to live either with or in place of a member of the nuclear family.An example includes elderly parents who move in with their children due to old age.This places large demands on the caregivers, particularly the female relatives who choose to perform these duties for their extended family.Compared with American families,Chinese families members have stronger ties and obligations to each other.For example,Chinese adult children expect their parents and immediate relatives to contribute when they are in financial difficulty.Chinese parents are expected to provide furniture and electrical appliances when their chlidren marry.When the young couple have their child,the parents feel it their duty to look after the baby and it’s mother.In tun,when the parents get old,they rely on their adult children to take care of them.The old people’s residence is regarded by many Chinese as the last resort for those without children.In contrast,if a young American couple plan to buy their own house,they would not expect their parents or other family members to “pool their money”.They would borrow money from bank instead for “down payment”.Married chldren in US may not visit their parents as often as married Chinese children,becaue the tempo of life is faster in the US.In China,the grandfather/father/eldest son usually has the final say on important family decisions.In the US,however people do not aume that it is neceary to consult him when it comes to major decisions.Traditional Chinese ,among many other Asians ,respect their elders and feel a deep sense of duty towards them.Children replay their parents’ sacrifices by being succeful and supporting them in old age.This is accepted as a nature part of life in China.In contrast ,taking care of aged parents is often viewed as a tremendous burden in the United States, where aging and family support are not honored highly.Although there has been much talk about “family values” in the United States, the family is not a usual frame of reference for decisions in U.S mainstream culture.Family connections are not so important to most people.Dropping the names of wealthy or famous people the family knows is done in the United States ,but it not viewed positively.More important is a person’s own individual “track record” of personal achievement.Thus, many cultural difference exist in family structure and values.In some
cultures ,the family is the center of life and the main frame of reference for decisions;In other cultures, the individuals, not the family ,is primary.In some cultures ,the family’s reputation and honor depend on each person’s actions;in other cultures, individuals can act without permanently affecting the family life.Some cultures value old people, while other cultures look down on them.
