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新家庭的六大趋势:年轻人主动断亲,女性决定式家庭
虎嗅APP·2024-05-22 13:40

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving concept of family in China, highlighting six major trends that reflect changes in family structure, relationships, and societal values in the context of modernization and urbanization [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Family Structure - Family size in China has decreased significantly, with the average number of family members dropping from approximately 4.41 in 1982 to 2.62 in 2020, indicating a shift towards smaller and more diverse family units [3][17]. - The focus of family dynamics has shifted from parent-led to couple-led structures, with increasing emphasis on the parent-child relationship, particularly since the 1990s [5][6]. - The concept of filial piety has evolved, with a shift towards mutual emotional support rather than strict obedience, reflecting a more modern interpretation of family relationships [6][19]. Group 2: Trends in Family Relationships - The rise of single-person households and couples living apart from their parents has become more common, with 4.93 billion people living separately from their families as of 2020, a significant increase from previous years [19][20]. - The phenomenon of "empty nest" families has emerged earlier than in previous generations, with many parents experiencing this status in their early 40s due to the one-child policy [20][21]. - The relationship between parents and adult children remains strong, with a high percentage of young couples still living with or near their parents, often due to economic pressures [23][24]. Group 3: Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and Parenthood - The freedom to marry has increased, but so has the divorce rate, which has risen from 0.7‰ in 1980 to 3.4‰ in 2019, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards marriage [7][39]. - The perception of children has transformed from being seen as labor contributors to being viewed as "durable consumer goods," with parents investing significantly in their upbringing [8][18]. - The trend of women delaying marriage and childbirth has intensified, with the total fertility rate dropping to around 1.0 in 2023, the lowest globally [31][33]. Group 4: Future Family Dynamics - The article suggests that future family structures may include non-traditional forms such as cohabitation without marriage, single-parent families, and other arrangements that reflect individual choices rather than societal expectations [40][42]. - The concept of "friendship marriage" and registered partnerships is gaining traction, allowing individuals to form family-like bonds without traditional marriage constraints [44][47]. - The increasing acceptance of diverse family forms indicates a shift towards a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes a family in modern society [42][48].