Migrating (Grand)Parents, Intergenerational Relationships and Neo-Familism in China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v13i2.175Keywords:
domestic migration, elder migrants, descendent/neo-familism, intergenerational relationship, grandparentingAbstract
Based on a case study in one residential community in Shenzhen, China, this article explores the relationship between the migration of elder (grand)parents and the intergenerational relationship between the elders and their adult children. Specifically, we analyse how the intergenerational relationship influences and is influenced by the migration of the elders. The empirical data consists of eight qualitative in-depth interviews with elder migrants, who primarily migrated for helping with childcare. The analysis is embedded in theoretical discussions around Chinese descending/neo-familism (Yan, 2011, 2016), which depicts the significant changes that have taken place in Chinese family life, and new perceptions on the traditional ideals and norms regarding family relations in China (e.g. the notion of filial piety). Based on the analysis, this article argues that the migration of the elder (grand)parents is one specific form of descending/neo-familism, which entails an intergenerational solidarity that builds upon intimacy, with the focus and meaning of life flow downward to the third generation, as well as entailing aspects of self-salvation (Yan, 2017). However, it also identifies tensions between the generations that are further intensified by the migration, most notably the elder generation’s loss of autonomy and authority within the joint family structure. Furthermore, this article also raises some suggestions for social work intervention for this group.
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Zhong, X., & Li, B. (2017). New intergenerational contracts in the making? - The experience of urban China. Journal of Asian Public Policy, 10(2), 167-182.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17516234.2017.1290864
Chen, F. (2014). Patterns of Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren in China. In D. L. Poston Jr., W. S. Yang, & D. N. Farris, (Eds.), The Family and Social Change in Chinese Societies (pp. 165-175). Dordrecht: Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7445-2_10
Chen, F., Liu, G., & Mair, C. A. (2011). Intergenerational Ties in Context: Grandparents caring for Grandchildren in China. Social Forces, 90(2), 571-594.
https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/sor012
Cohen, M. L. (1976). House united, house divided: The Chinese family in Taiwan. New York: Columbia University Press.
Cong, Z., & Silverstein, M. (2012). Custodial grandparents and intergenerational support in rural China. In K. M Mehta. & L. L. Thang (Eds.), Experiencing grandparenthood. An Asian perspective (pp. 109-127). Dordrecht: Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2303-0_7
Fei, X.T.费孝通 (1998[1947]). From the Soil: The Foundations of Chinese Society乡土中国. Beijing: People's Publishing House 人民出版社.
Goh, E. C. L. (2009). Grandparents as childcare providers: An in-depth analysis of the case of Xiamen, China. Journal of Aging Studies, 23(1), 60-68.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2007.08.001
Hansen, M. H., & Svarverud, R. (Eds.) (2010). iChina, the Rise of the Individual in Modern Chinese Society. Copenhagen: NIAS Press.
Hoffman, L. (2010). Patriotic Professionalism in Urban China: Fostering Talent. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.
Hofstede, G., & Bond, M. H. (1988). The Confucius Connection: From Cultural Roots to Economic Growth. Organizational Dynamics 16(4), 5-21.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(88)90009-5
Ikels, C. (2004). Filial piety: Practice and discourse in contemporary East Asia. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Ko, P-C., & Hank, K. (2014). Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren in China and Korea: Findings From CHARLS and KLoSA. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 69(4), 646-651.
https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbt129
Li, H. F. 李红飞,& Gan, M. T. 甘满堂 (2017). Research on the Community Integration and Social Work Intervention of the Elderly Immigrating to the City: A Case Study of Shenzhen L Community随迁老人的社区融入及社会工作介入研究--以深圳市L社区为例. Social Work and Management社会工作与管理, 17(1): 31-37.
Lin J.-P. & Yi, C.-C. (2011). Filial norms and intergenerational support to aging parents in China and Taiwan. International Journal of Social Welfare, 20(1), 109-120.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2397.2011.00824.x
Lu, L. (2001). Understanding Happiness: A Look into the Chinese Folk Psychology. Journal of Happiness Studies. 2(4):407-432.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013944228205
Mehta, K. M., & Thang, L. L. (Eds.) (2012). Experiencing grandparenthood. An Asian Perspective. Dordrecht: Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2303-0
Meng, X. J, 孟向京, Jiang, X Q. 姜向群, Song, J.宋健, Wan H. X.万红霞, Chen, Y. 陈艳, Han, Z. H. 韩中华, & He, Y. Y. 何云燕 (2004). Analysis of characteristics and migrating causes of aged mobile population in Beijing北京市流动老年人口特征及成因分析. Population Research人口研究 28(6), 53-58.
Mishler, E. G. (1986). Research interviewing: Context and narrative. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
National Population and Family Planning Commission 国家计生委 (2017). Report on China's Migrant Population Development 中国流动人口发展报告2017. Beijing: China Population Publishing House. 中国人口出版社.
Nedelcu, M. (2017). Transnational grandparenting in the digital age: Mediated co-presence and childcare in the case of Romanian migrants in Switzerland and Canada. European Journal of Ageing, 14(4), 375-383.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-017-0436-1
Riessman, C. K. (2008). Narrative methods for the human sciences. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Silverstein, M., Cong, Z., & Li, S. (2006). Intergenerational transfers and living arrangements of older people in rural China: Consequences for psychological well-being. Journals of Gerontology, Series B, 61(5), 256-266.
https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/61.5.S256
Skytte, M. (2001). Etniske minoritetsfamilier og sosialt arbeid. Oslo: Gyldendal Norsk Forlag.
Special Rules on the Labor Protection of Female Employees (女职工劳动保护特别规定) (2012). Retrieved from http://en.acftu.org/28616/201408/26/140826131330762.shtml (accessed 14 August 2016).
Wang, Y. (2006). Value changes in an era of social transformations: College‐educated Chinese youth. Educational Studies, 32(2): 233-240.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03055690600631150
Whyte, M. K. (1997). The fate of filial obligations in urban China. The China Journal, 38(7), 1-31.
https://doi.org/10.2307/2950333
Wu, L. (2013). Decentralization and hukou reforms in China. Policy and Society 32(1).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polsoc.2013.01.002
Xie, X., & Xia, Y. (2011). Grandparenting in Chinese Immigrant Families. Marriage & Family Review, 47(6), 383-396.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2011.594218
Yan, Y. X. (2003). Private life under socialism: Love, intimacy, and family change in a Chinese village, 1949-1999. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Yan, Y. X. (2011). Individualization of the family in rural China. Boundary 2 38(1): 203-229.
https://doi.org/10.1215/01903659-1262590
Yan, Y. X. (2015). Parent-driven divorce and individualization among urban Chinese youth. International Social Science Journal, 213/214: 317-330.
https://doi.org/10.1111/issj.12048
Yan, Y. X. (2016). Intergenerational Intimacy and Descending Familism in Rural North China. American Anthropologist, 118(2): 244-257.
https://doi.org/10.1111/aman.12527
Yan, Y. X. (2017). Intergenerational Relatedness and Neo-Familism in Contemporary China. Keynote Speech at the 6th Sino-Nordic gender and Women's Studies Conference: Age, Agency and Ambiguity, Oslo, Norway, Aug. 26-30.
Ye, W. (2013). Internal Migration and Citizenship Education in China's Shenzhen City. Education and Society, 48(1), 77-97.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124513508775
Zhong, X., & Li, B. (2017). New intergenerational contracts in the making? - The experience of urban China. Journal of Asian Public Policy, 10(2), 167-182.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17516234.2017.1290864
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Published
2018-10-26
How to Cite
Zhao, Y., & Huang, Y. (2018). Migrating (Grand)Parents, Intergenerational Relationships and Neo-Familism in China. Journal of Comparative Social Work, 13(2), 31–55. https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v13i2.175
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