The Role of State and Family in the Living Conditions of Older People in Urban China: Changing Attitudes and Outcomes

Abstract

This paper uses a unique national dataset to examine the attitudes and living standards of older people (aged 60 and over) living in urban areas of China, including their living arrangements and income levels, and their attitudes to family-based and other forms of support. The results indicate that although there have been substantial improvements in the overall living conditions of the majority of older people in China, marked differences remain in the economic circumstances of sub-groups classified by age and, more particularly, gender. Many of today's older people are also wedded to traditional attitudes and patterns of behaviour, and informal family support remains important – for men and women, as well as for younger and older groups among those aged 60 and over.