What are the differences between Chinese and Western concepts of family?

The differences between Chinese and Western concepts of family are: different emphasis on blood relatives, different sense of family, and different relationships between children and parents.

I. Different degrees of emphasis on blood relatives

1. China

The Chinese concept of family attaches importance to blood relatives, and the main feature of the Chinese family structure is the extended family. This includes the nuclear family and the extended family.

2. Western

Western families do not place as much importance on blood relatives as the Chinese do. In Western countries, the nuclear family is absolutely dominant, while the extended family is minimal.

2. Different Family Consciousness

1. China

Chinese families have a stronger sense of family, and the ethic of kinship is y rooted in their minds, and they have always practiced the tradition of respecting the elderly. Elderly people are often treated with extra respect by their families and society.

2. Western

Western families have a weaker sense of family, and Western society is rooted in the individual, with individualism at the core of Western cultural values. The values of Western culture are centered on individualism. It praises the value of human beings and advocates human dignity and the free development of individuality. The relationship between parents and children is more equal.

Three, the relationship between children and their parents is different

1, China

In Chinese families, children depend on their parents when they are young, and parents make a lot of personal sacrifices for the family, but require more obedience from their children. When children grow up, they are responsible for supporting their parents, but in some cases they continue to depend on them.

2. Western

In Western families, children do not live at home after graduating from high school, and young people take pride in their independence. And parents do not depend on their children when they get old, and children do not have the responsibility to support their parents, and both parties do not have so many obligations and responsibilities.

Expanded Information

U.S. law states that adult children have an obligation to financially support their "needy" parents, and the emphasis here is on "needy". In Chinese culture, filial piety is a central concept, and it goes hand in hand with obedience. It is only "filial piety" if you "obey" the old man's wishes.

In British and American culture, supporting one's parents is not imposed by society as a "duty". However, most children are as conscientious about supporting their parents as the Chinese are. It is not uncommon for people to quit their high-paying jobs in big cities to live with their elderly parents in small towns.

The difference, however, is that today's aging parents in the West are the "baby boomers," most of whom are more "independent" and prefer to enjoy the freedom of life rather than live with their children.