Who is considered to belong in the family?

The Chinese family system is very structured with clearly defined roles for men and women. It is
patrilineal in that it has a male line of descent which includes all members of the household,
including the dead, living, and yet to be born (Wolf 225). It is patriarchal in that men occupy
the top levels of the family hierarchy and that the eldest male is the head of the household. The
Chinese family is also virilocal in that there is a strong preference for newly married couples to
reside with the groom's family (Wolf 247). However, exceptions to this may be made when the
wife's family has no male heir. In such a case, the groom may reside with his wife with her
family, and one of their male offspring may be allowed to take on the wife's family name
(Pasternak 196).
What are the rights, roles and responsibilities of the members?
While men in the Chinese family enjoy a position of great prestige and power, the
situation for women is much bleaker. The only way that a woman is truly able to occupy a
position in society is to bear a male heir for the family (Pasternak 195). Women do not occupy a
position in their father's family, and once they are married their ties to it are severed.
A woman's only real family is her uterine family which consists of her mother and siblings. The
uterine family is only real in the sense of the ties and sentiments shared between the members
as it has no formal structure, ideology, or existence (Wolf 230). Unlike men, women do not have
a continuous line of descendants as the uterine family dies along with the woman (Wolf 230).
Uterine families are very important to both men and women. For women it is a support system
and for men it is the backdrop against which their patrilineage is brought forth and raised (Wolf
230). Interestingly, while a woman has close ties to her uterine family, men have
distant relationships with their brothers (Wolf 243).
When a woman marries and enters her husband's household she does so as a virtual outsider
who is unwelcome, especially by her mother-in-law, except for her role as a bearer of heirs for
the family (Wolf 227). The relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law is very
difficult. In the eyes of the mother-in-law, her son is her family and the new wife is seen as
competition (Wolf 237). The father is not considered to be a part of the family, merely a good
friend of the family (Wolf 240). Both women vie for the affection and attention of the
son/husband. In any dispute they will both appeal to him and most often it is the wife who will
lose (Wolf 236). The role of the daughter-in-law is to take over the more laborious duties of the
mother-in-law, to be subservient to all, and to bear male heirs.
The daughter-in-law's position in the new household is virtually less than a servant and it is
necessary for her survival and success in this hostile environment to build relations with women
outside of the family, although this is difficult in the beginning as she is new and will be
considered an outsider (Wolf 231). It is these relations which affords her some power over her
living conditions. If she is mistreated at home she can confide in an outside woman who will
ensure that news of her mistreatment quickly spreads. Most often the gossip about her
mistreatment will be enough to lessen it (Wolf 231). Although a woman always has less status

than a man, a woman's status does increase with age and the bearing of male heirs (Hutter
533-4).
In traditional Chinese culture, the world is created by the interaction of yin, meaning tender,
passive, inferior, and referring to female, and yang, meaning tough, active, superior, and
referring to male. Therefore, women were appointed to a dependent status; they were
secondary to men (Lang 1968). Surnames, being considered highly important, were passed on
through the male lines. Only male children were counted as descent group members and had
rights to the family's property. Females were not eligible to inherit the family estate, even their
husbands', nor did they have primary position in any single crucial ceremonial role.
Female children were considered a bad economic and emotional investment, particularly in poor
families. Their names were seldom proclaimed, for once they were married and became
members of the husband's family, they were known by their husbands' surnames or their own
surnames prefixed by their husbands'. Throughout their whole lives, Chinese women were
expected to conform to Three Obediences (san-tsong): obedience to their fathers before
marriage, to their husbands after marriage, and to their sons after their husbands die.
Within Chinese families, elder members have the most authority and command large amounts
of respect. Chinese culture operates under the notion of filial piety. Filial piety means that the
older people within a family are regarded as having the prevailing will over younger, inferior
members of the family. Chinese culture places importance on paying reverence to ancestors
that have passed on, usually males. Failure to do so causes bad luck within a family. Those who
lack male descendants are thought to become volatile ghosts upon their passing
Modern Way of Life
Today, the way of life in China is not different at all from anywhere else in the world due
to Western influence. You can see in China today modern apartment complexes and towering
high-rise buildings as well as modern style homes. Clothing in China is very similar to that of the
Western cultures now.
However, tradition still lingers in all Chinese households and societies all over the world. In older
neighborhoods, rural mud and straw houses can still be seen, and in rural areas the traditional
way of life are still very alive. And although the way of life now is very modernized, traditional
values of family importance and reputation still is felt by all families.
Today, the Chinese live in smaller family units, usually only with parents and children, and
sometimes grandparents. Almost all adults have a job, male or female. In many families, a
grandparents looks after the house and children during the day, and more and more children
attend nursery school and kindergarten so that mothers can be free to work.
Today, girls as well as boys are valued. Women now do many kinds of work outside the home.
Many young households share in the shopping, housecleaning, cooking, and caring for the
children to show that they believe the sexes are equal. Some of the older generations may still
show slight hope for a grandson or great-grandson and disappointment if the outcome is a

granddaughter, but in the end they love and value each with equality. However, equality
between the sexes is more widely accepted in the cities than in the countryside.
Relationships have become more democratic as parents no longer expect their children to show
unquestioning obedience; however, most Chinese parents today, although much more lenient
and reasonable, still are strict and expect a good deal of respect. As for marriage, young people
today generally choose their own marriage partners on the basis of shared interests and mutual
attraction. However, parents still play a role in arranging some marriages, especially in rural
areas. Any couple today would at least consult their parents about such a major decision

How are history and tradition passed on to the young?

Belief in God or a Higher Power, and religions, also has a vast impact on passing
tradition

Continuing to practice and celebrate them

School children, in particular, should be taught to cherish cultural treasures. As far as

possible, children and young people should be given the opportunity to learn and
participate in the crafts, art forms, performances and rituals that comprise the nation's
intangible heritage.

"Parents there value their cultural roots, which they regard as an important legacy to
pass to their children," -Chen Shuyi, who taught Chinese in the Philippines for 10 months
in 2004.

Theoretically, learning the mother tongue can help Chinese living abroad enhance a
sense of cultural identity, and help foreigners appreciate the culture.- Ma Zhen from
Peking University

How do cultural understandings of history differ from "scientific" facts or literate

history?

By discovering Chinese Archeological sites, like the Discovery of Chinese

Terracotta Army, (The figures, dating from 3rd century BC, were discovered in 1974 by
some local farmers in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province.) which prove the
Wealth, Power and Existence of their First Emperor

What forms of art and music are most highly valued?

China is an artistic country that started developing the unique artwork thousands of years ago.
Cave drawings are found throughout the mountainous regions of China and depict nature
scenes, people and animals that remain an important theme of the artists even centuries in the
future.
As the culture developed and moved away from cave dwellings, the arts throughout the country
began to take on a brush stroke design that is still noticeable in modern Chinese art. Despite the
gradual improvements and obvious developments in the style of paintings and sculptures, the
art retained a central theme that focused on nature and harmony.
The central theme of nature, harmony and the elements has grown and developed with the
culture of the country. Chinese history shows that the swirling brush strokes depicting rivers,
rocks, plant life and animals retained a similarity that dates back to the original cave drawings.
Physical arts in China include more than just the basic paintings. It also includes sculptures,
pottery, carvings and calligraphy writings. The pottery from China is particularly well-known
around the world due to the technique of using a hard clay combined with feldspar to eliminate
any cracks or gaps in the clay. The pottery has developed into the fine porcelain that is seen in
modern times.
China is also well-known for the jade carvings that are used in jewelry, home decoration and a
wide range of other applications. Jade carvings date back around 1,300 years and are an
important part of the country's rich history.
The sculpture of China is most well-known when it relates to the graves of ancient kings. The
sculptures of clay soldiers, horses and servants have been found in archeological digs. These
sculptures have fine detailing that showcases facial features and detailed armor.
Chinese art has a unique aspect that sets it apart from other cultures. With the long history of
harmonizing old techniques and themes with newer styles, the country has transformed art. The
art from China often has a central theme of nature, harmony and balance that makes it an
excellent example of the values that are held within the country. With a history that dates back
over 10,000 years, it is no surprise that Chinese art has a developed and unique design that is
an important part of the country's history.

What forms of art and music are considered appropriate for children to perform or
appreciate?
In Guangzhou, most parents want their children to learn how to play a western musical
instrument, especially the piano. It is usually only when they cannot afford the cost of
instruments or study fees that they turn to Chinese classic or folk music.
In Shantou, it is the Guzheng, the most popular Chinese folk music instrument, that little
Chinese girls love to play.
The garland dance is a simple and fun dance for children. Any number of children can perform
this dance. Every child needs a garland. A traditional garland is made out of flowers tied to a
bamboo frame. If you can't find a bamboo frame, any framing wood will work. The child should
hold it with both hands while dancing. Swing it to the left and right in time to the slow music.
Create different shapes with the garland by stretching and twisting it in both hands. Spin it
around your body. Feet movements should be slow and consist of knee bending, moving
forward and backward and shifting from side to side. The form of the garland dance can vary.
Near the end of the dance, the music will increase in tempo. The child should increase his
tempo as well by using short jumping steps and faster manipulation of the garland.
Fish dances are a celebration of the discovery of fishing and the way it transformed Chinese
life by giving them a steady source of food. Children like this dance because they get to wear
fish props on their waist. These props can be fins or simply small paper fish. One to two people
can perform this dance together. Bend your knees and take small quick steps to imitate a fish.
Small leaps emulate a fish's darting motions. Sway your upper body back and forth slowly as if
you were swimming in gentle water or speed up your motions as if swimming against strong
currents. Turn and spin gently. Your hands should be interlocked with the thumbs stretched
forward. Your arms should sway with your body movements. Vary hand movements by placing
your arms behind your back, swaying in time to the music.
The Peacock Dance
In China, peacocks are a symbol of good luck, beauty and happiness. The peacock dance is a
popular dance for children at Chinese festivals. It can be a solo dance or can be performed with
two to three people. Hand gestures include the peacock hand and the eye gesture. The
peacock hand is a gesture that involves tucking your thumb into your palm and bending your
index finger over the thumb. The other three fingers fan out to imitate the tail of the peacock.
The eye gesture is similar to the peacock hand, but the thumb and index finger form an oval
shape, which resembles the eye shapes on the tail of a peacock. The walk of the peacock is
imitated by kicking one foot backward, stepping back onto that foot and then stretching your

other leg in time to the music. Spread your arms and moving them slowly up and down to
imitate flight. Stay light on your feet. There is no set form for the peacock dance, so improvised
movements are appropriate.

Works Cited

Pasternak, Burton. "Kinship and Community in Two Chinese Villages: Kinship and Village
Integration". Comparative Sociology of the Family. Ed. Helga Jacobson. Burnaby, BC: Open
Learning Agency, 1994. 187-223.

Hutter, Mark. "Epilogue: The Family in China". The Changing Family: Comparative Perspectives
2nd ed. Macmillan Publishing Company. 1988. 530-606.

Wolf, Margery. "Women and the Family in Rural Taiwan: Excerpts". Comparative Sociology of
the Family. Ed. Helga Jacobson. Burnaby, BC: Open Learning Agency, 1994. 225-248.

Chen Tianguo. Concept of Chaozhou music and category and history. Research of Chaozhou
Music, vol 4, August 1998, p.5.

Lin Lunlun and Wu Qinsheng. 2001. Chaoshan wenhua daguan [Chaozhou and Shantou
culture]. Guangzhou: Huacheng chubanshe.

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/

Zang, Xiaowei. Children of the Cultural Revolution: Family Life and Political Behavior in Mao's
China, 2000.

Perry, Elizabeth J., and Mark Selden. Chinese Society: Change, Conflict, and Resistance, 2000.