Discrepancies in Cross-Cultural and Cross-Generational Attitudes Toward Committed Relationships in China and the United States

Abstract

Over the past 5,000 years, marriage and family structure in China have changed dramatically due to extensive economic development and cultural transformation. The revisions to marriage law, the reform resulting in open trade with other nations (especially Western ones), the single-child policy, and the consistent respect for Confucianism across time all contributed to the unique dynamics that characterize Chinese family life today. But, despite the drastic changes in family life in the Eastern hemisphere, most marriage and family-related studies have been conducted in Western cultures. Thus, tremendous opportunities for both similar and innovative inquiry about family life in Eastern cultures currently exist. China provides a unique opportunity for investigation of this topic due to the country's rich historical background and culture of tradition. We explored the generational differences in individuals' attitudes toward marriage in China. Chinese college students and middle-aged Chinese adults were recruited as participants. We found evidence that, with regard to attitudes about cohabitation, Chinese elders are more conservative than Chinese youth. Moreover, middle-aged Chinese individuals report that Chinese youth have differing opinions on some issues surrounding marriage, but these perceptions of the youth's attitudes about specific issues deviate from the youth's actual opinions. Keypoints for the Family Court Community: Discusses important transitions in marriage throughout Chinese history. Points out unique marriage-related culture in ancient China and modern China. Presents interesting data addressing different marital attitude among older Chinese population and Chinese youth. Discusses cross-cultural difference in marital attitude between the Chinese and Americans.