Chinese Family and Individualization in "Compressed Modernity"

the Case of Sexual Minorities in Reconsidering the "Neo-familism"

Abstract

　　This study focused on the distinctiveness of Chinese society, which characterized by a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. As China's societal modernization forges ahead, the Confucian patriarchal norms that underpin traditional familism are undergoing a process of reinterpretation and reconstruction. This evolution gives rise to a 'Neo-familism', anchored in the principles of intergenerational solidarity. This study specifically examines the responses of sexual minorities to the pressures of traditional familism within the context of China's 'Compressed Modernity'. Through meticulous case analysis, the study reevaluates the framework of 'Neo-familism', shedding light on the familial perceptions and intergenerational relationships prevalent among sexual minorities. Building on these insights, the research juxtaposes the similarities and differences between Neo-familism, and the Individualization Theory as applied in Chinese family studies. It concludes by outlining the prospective challenges and directions for future research in this field.