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Current Sociology
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Intergenerational Relationships and Elderly Care in China

A Global Perspective

Xuewen Sheng

University of Delaware, USA, xsheng{at}udel.edu

Barbara H. Settles

University of Delaware, USA, settlesb{at}udel.edu

Based on a review of recent research literature, major value-practice conflicts toward elderly care in China are explored, some commonalities and differentiations of real practices with traditional values are presented, the emerging new values in intergenerational relationships are discussed, and the theoretical underpinnings of interdependency are examined. Some sociologists had predicted a continuing decrease in family interdependence and caregiving. In the current globalization of economic development and concurrent trends in demography, family formation and life course, families interact and support each other over extremely long periods of time. Intergenerational relationships reflect both values and practice. There have been remarkable differences between values of people in different societies and yet some similarities of practice. Examples from the People’s Republic of China are given to illustrate the dynamics of expectation, interaction and assessment of interdependence. Implications for future programs based on global trends tend to be similar although societies are quite different.

Key Words: aging • caregiving • family decision-making • globalization • intergenerational relationships

Current Sociology, Vol. 54, No. 2, 293-313 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0011392106056747
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