Blog : 11 Age Matters: China

Age Matters: China

Last Modified: 20 Feb 2011

Summary

China’s demographics are changing rapidly this is partially due to China’s development. Seniors that are traditionally venerated are finding themselves in retirement homes.  Many seniors are choosing to move into such homes rather than put pressure on their children. These citizens are making up an increasing proportion of the population.  The decrease in the birth rate leaves fewer young people available to care for the elderly population.  One of the women interviewed said that China has a quote “There are no dutiful sons for a bed ridden parent however responsible he is he will leave you anyhow for his family or for his career.” Many of the residents live in such homes to overcome loneliness. Either their children live and work far away or their spouse passed away leaving them alone.  The Chinese government has been considering making it legally mandatory that children visit their aging parents.

Analysis

I believe that one of the main factors behind China’s aging population is globalization. It has allowed China to advance developmentally and has changed the social contracts of the society. For many years it was expected for children particularly male children to care for the elderly parents. However new industrialization has caused many of these male children to move far from home. They are in a catch 22 between being traditional and caring for their parents and emerging into the new developments and preparing to better care for their future wives. Globalization and development in China also has females delaying marriage and children and opting for education and careers instead.  The Chinese government is trying to maintain tradition by mandating children at least visit their aging parents however some senior prefer living in a retirement home as opposed to having their children care for them.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/facesofchina/2011/02/2011220112134994368.html