Family Changes and Family Values in Asian Societies: Exploring Similarities and Differences Based on EASS 2006 and CAFS

Abstract

The last 40 years witnessed dramatic family changes in Asian societies. Demographic transitions are quite evident. Asian societies have faced a rapid fertility decline and are moving toward a small family form. Are Asian family values and practices converging? Asian societies also have experienced a rapid growth in women's educational opportunities. What effects does the expansion have on gender values and practices in Asian societies? Based on EASS 2006 and CAFS (Comparative Asian Family Survey), this paper firstly attempts to clarify the similarities and differences in gender-role attitudes and the gender division of household chores in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey. Using EASS 2006 and 2016, this paper secondly explores what changes in gender-role attitudes and the gendered division of domestic chores occurs in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The analysis indicates that better-educated men and women in Korea and Taiwan are more likely to accept egalitarian gender role in 2016. Based on these results, this paper discusses about recent social changes and gender relation in Asian societies.