“中年断亲潮”：父母离世，兄弟姐妹就散了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of "断亲" (cutting ties with relatives) among middle-aged individuals, particularly after the death of parents, highlighting the breakdown of familial bonds and the increase in inheritance disputes as a significant factor in this phenomenon [4][5][9]. Summary by Sections The Rise of "断亲" - Increasingly, middle-aged individuals are choosing to sever ties with siblings, often triggered by the death of parents and subsequent inheritance disputes [4][5]. - The Supreme People's Court reported a year-on-year increase of approximately 38.92% in inheritance dispute cases, indicating a significant rise in familial conflicts [6][7]. Inheritance Disputes - In multi-child families, parents often serve as the last emotional bond among siblings, which dissolves upon their passing, leading to conflicts over inheritance [6][7]. - The low percentage of elderly individuals who have wills (approximately 0.14%) contributes to chaotic inheritance situations, with many families facing "disorderly division" of assets [6][7]. Gender Dynamics in Care and Inheritance - Women often bear a greater burden in caregiving roles, yet traditional views still favor sons in inheritance, leading to feelings of neglect among daughters who have provided more care [8]. - Research indicates that while the influence of birth order on inheritance is diminishing, gender still plays a significant role in how assets are distributed [8]. Social Changes and Family Dynamics - The article notes a broader societal shift towards smaller, more dispersed family structures, with traditional strong familial ties weakening [9][10]. - Urbanization and population mobility have led to many individuals experiencing "passive断亲," where emotional connections fade due to physical distance and reduced contact [10]. Emotional Support and Family Size - Contrary to the belief that having more children leads to greater emotional support for parents, studies show a negative correlation between the number of children and the emotional support received by parents [14]. - The phenomenon of "responsibility dispersion" suggests that with multiple children, the perceived obligation to care for parents is diluted, resulting in less actual support [14]. Changing Nature of Relationships - The article highlights a shift from traditional family structures to "chosen families," where individuals form close bonds with non-relatives, reflecting a broader trend in society [21][22]. - New social networks and support systems are emerging, such as mutual aid groups and co-living arrangements, as people seek meaningful connections beyond blood relations [21][22].