Chinese Family Structure and Traditional Values

The family has long been cherished in China. According to an old proverb, "The family is essential under Heaven." The elder brother should be gentle with the younger brother, and the younger brother should respect the elder brother. Good farming and reading traditions should be passed down from generation to generation. A family should be run with diligence and thrift.

These family values have been ingrained in our people's DNA and left an indelible impression on their thoughts. They are cherished as a priceless heritage of Chinese family politeness and have been handed down through the years as a crucial moral strength.

Chinese Family Structure
Family Unit    Confucian philosophy underscores the importance of family roles, such as parent and child, senior and younger brother, and husband and wife.
Confucian Duties    While Confucian duties are not strictly followed, filial piety remains essential. Children are expected to respect elders, and elders' opinions are considered in important decisions.
Collective Identities    Families are seen as possessing a collective identity and reputation, known as the "face" phenomenon, where individual actions impact the family's perception.
Financial responsibilities    Modernization has shifted family dynamics; education is highly valued, and financial success is a major status symbol. Frugal living and prudent money management are emphasized.
Gender Role and Values    Traditionally, fathers or eldest sons were patriarchs, and mothers cared for the home. Gender roles are evolving, with more women working and matriarchal family structures in some regions.
marriage and Dating    Couples often meet through social events or mutual friends. Matchmaking and online dating are growing. Public displays of affection are increasing, and premarital sex is more accepted.
Views on Virginity    There is a generational gap regarding the importance of virginity before marriage. While some still see it as crucial, younger generations are more accepting of premarital sex.
Marriage Practices    Marriage is significant, seen as a step toward adulthood. Socioeconomic factors are considered in mate selection. Young people may choose to live together before marriage.
    

Chinese Family Structure

According to Confucian philosophy, the family is the unit that matters most to a person and serves as the cornerstone of every social structure. The roles of parent and kid, senior brother and younger brother, and husband and wife, for example, are all well-defined. In exchange for her obedience and affection, a husband or father is supposed to show compassion and control to her. In exchange for her respect and obedience, he is expected to provide direction and protection for his children.

Confucian duties are no longer followed to the letter. Children are still expected to respect their elders and obey their parents, though. This is consistent with the Confucian principle of filial piety, which emphasizes the value of age. For instance, family elders are supposed to be consulted when making important choices in the majority of Chinese areas. In addition, kids are supposed to take care of their parents as they get older. It is seen as humiliating to place elderly parents in an aged care facility.

In China, families are also seen to possess a collective identity and reputation. This is known as the "face" phenomenon, in which the actions of one person affect how others see every member of the group.  It is believed that the family's interests would take precedence over an individual. It is also anticipated that family members would be given preference in exchange for their fidelity to the family.

Chinese Family Structure and Traditional Values - GeeksforGeeks