Being a Modern Teenage Girl and Relationships with Parents

Abstract

This chapter explores girls’ constructions of self as adolescent girls and their intimate relationships in the context of a rapidly changing society where the majority of young people are only children. It touches on the theories of adolescence and individualization. Most girls reported they were generally happy with their relationships with mothers and fathers. However, the majority of the only children had a greater desire for companionship. The findings suggest that growing up in contemporary Chinese society is similar in some respects to western society, such as the importance girls place on their appearance and their desire for more independence. However, there are also areas where the construction of self is underpinned by cultural constructions, such as the concept of a good daughter.