For the last two decades, Chinese f

For the last two decades, Chinese families have gone through numerous dynamic changes. Much of the

old structure and many of the old values of the traditional Chinese families have been replaced by a new

structure and new values of the modern Chinese family.

The stereotyped view of the Chinese family was that of a large extended family, with several generations

and immediate families all living under one roof, being a self sufficient and self-help institution for its

members, providing child care and the care of the elderly. This is no longer true for the modern Chinese

family. In Birmingham, the Chinese family structure is mainly a nuclear one with husband and wife living with

their children and sometimes their parents. Only a small number of Chinese families may have relatives living

in their proximity.

Therefore, the Chinese family no longer performs the function of providing mutual help with child care and

care for the elderly outside their immediate relations.

However, the Chinese continue to emphasize the values of family and to maintain close family links.

There is a strong bond between parents, children and other family members. It is still customary that Chinese

parents expect all their children to return home for the Chinese New Year Eve’s dinner and other festival

celebrations.

While Chinese men continue to occupy a dominant position in the family in terms of decision making,

Chinese women are requiring greater equality with men as they contribute with their income or labour in their

family business.