Chinese Family Strengths and Resiliency

Anqi Xu, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, People's Republic of China
Xiaolin Xie, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Wenli Liu, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
Yan Xia, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Dalin Liu, Chinese Ancient Sex Culture Museum, Tongli and Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Document Type Article

Co-published simultaneously in Marriage & Family Review (The Haworth Press, Inc.) Vol. 41, No 1/2, 2007, pp. 143-164; and: Strong Families Around the World: Strengths-Based Research and Perspectives, The Haworth Press, Inc., 2007, pp. 143-164. Copyright © by the Haworth Press, Inc. Used by permission.

Abstract

Chinese family and marriage strengths and challenges are delineated in this article, including equity in marriage, affection, the ability to adapt to changes, mutual trust, compatibility, harmony, and family support. Despite the fact that Chinese households are getting smaller as a result of governmental policy and the broadening of housing markets, families remain crucial support networks, especially in the areas of socialization and intergenerational relationships. Current research on Chinese marriages and families is cited, outlining attitudinal changes regarding mate selection, divorce, and childbirth between genders, between older and younger generations, and between urban and rural residents.