Women and Family in Transitional China: Family Structure and Elderly Support

抄録

During the last 30 years, China has experienced quick industrialization, urbanization and economic development. At the same time, Chinese society becomes more and more open to outside world, especially toward the Western society (and its value). Social and economic change, combined with the government's Single-child Policy, pushed Chinese families and women in the families to change as well. On one hand, family size gets smaller and family structures are more diversified. On the other hand, although more aged people choose to live alone instead of with children, the tradition that depends on family for elderly support remains. Children are still the main caregivers for the elderly. In addition, daughters start to take more responsibility in fulfilling parents' expectations such as educational attainment and eldercare. In sum, this article will focus on how macro social change affects family life as well as women inside the family, and discusses the interaction between family life and women's role.