Dynamic Family Values in Taiwan

Family Organization Central in Chinese Society Characterized by Respect for parents and elders by youth Undeviating obedience to patriarch in family Founded on teaching of Confucius Rigid moral code Defined roles of family members

The Family in Taiwanese Society Large and well-connected (3-4 generations) Parents often work in the city, home a few days each week Children commonly live with grandparents Family hierarchy based on gender and age Father’s authority unquestioned Obedience, devotion, respect of elders expected of children

Family Relationships Discipline results from a sense of responsibility to the family unit Anger is considered a weakness Family members are uncomfortable seeking outside help for emotional or physical reasons Maintaining the reputation of the family is extremely important Individual feelings may be suppressed when conflict arises within the family

Changing Role of Taiwanese Women An increasing number of women are working outside the home to support the family Increasing economic power has changed the relationship between men and women in the family Women are insisting on a the same level of gender-equality within the home as they have in the workplace

Results of Women’s Changing Role More women postpone marriage while seeking higher education (the percentage of women aged 20-29 that are married has dropped from 61.5% in 1990 to 41.5% in 2003) The fertility rate (average number of children born to women during their child-bearing years) has dropped from 5 during the 1960’s to 2 in the 1980’s and to 1.12 in 2005, due in part to the lower marriage rate Increase in divorce rate from 1.45 per 1000 people in 1993 to 2.87 per 1000 in 2003 Taiwan is an increasingly “gray” society as fewer children born and life span extended for older population

References Wang, A., (2008). Modern women, traditional men. Taiwan Review, 58 (April, 2008). Retrieved June 25, 2009, from http://taiwanreview.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=30734&CtNode=128. Her, K., (2006). The graying of Taiwan. Taiwan Review, 56 (October, 2006). Retrieved June 25, 2009, from http://taiwanreview.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23375&CtNode=119. Chi, P S and Wu, T. Changing family structure in Taiwan: a two generational approach. Ithaca, New York, Cornell University, Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center, 1997. [22] p. (BLCC Working Paper No. 97-05)