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The rapid social and
economic change was found to have much impact on the behavioral and value system
of young people. Young people's
views on family and fertility would not be exceptions.
The aim of this study is to assess the views of young people in Beijing,
Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong on this issue.
Major findings:
1.Consider the feeling of love between
a couple as a main contributor to a conjugal marriage.
The survey demonstrated that young people considered the feeling of love, such as "having compatible personalities", and "fidelity and affection", between a couple as the main contributor to a conjugal marriage. The findings also suggested that many young people in the four cities were looking for a marriage built upon the love between the husband and the wife.
2. Treasure the values of freedom,
independence and equality in a husband-wife relationship.
The survey indicated that the greatest number of young people in the four cities believed both the husband and the wife were to be responsible for the expenses of a family. Findings also revealed that around 60 to 70 percent of respondents in the four cities believed both the husband and wife should share the same responsibilities for looking after children. It showed that young people in the four cities believed that men and women should be treated equally in a family. Moreover, more than half of the young people in each city believed that married couples should develop a common social circle on the one hand, and to keep up with personal friends on the other. It reflected that young people also treasured individual freedom even after getting married.
3. Prefer small and nuclear family.
When asked to describe the ideal place to live after marriage, more than half of the respondents in each city wanted to establish their own household. When asked to state their family plan, most of the respondents found that a family with one or two children would be ideal.
4. Expected family members to be
treated on an equal footing.
More than half of the respondents said that they would give guidance to their children with patience and state their reasons clearly for disciplining children. It suggested that the traditional disciplining practices, such as beating and scolding children, were no longer popular among young people. The greatest number of young people in each city believed that all family members should take part in discussions on family matters and make decisions together.
Comparative Youth Study
No.8
