1. Dynamic Family Values in Taiwan

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Results of Women’s Changing Role
More women postpone marriage while seeking higher education (the percentage of women aged 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

7. References
Wang, A., (2008). Modern women, traditional men. Taiwan Review, 58 (April, 2008). Retrieved June 25, 2009, from
Her, K., (2006). The graying of Taiwan. Taiwan Review, 56 (October, 2006). Retrieved June 25, 2009, from
Chi, P S and Wu, T. Changing family structure in Taiwan: a two generational approach. Ithaca, New York, Cornell University, Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center, [22] p. (BLCC Working Paper No )