Parenting and family life in a Chinese society

Abstract

In the traditional Chinese culture, families showed several characteristics. First, male members generally held a superior position whereas females typically occupied a submissive role. Second, under the strong influence of Confucianism, filial piety was strongly upheld with a central focus on the father-son relationship. Third, because of the importance of maintaining harmony in the family, the collective interest (i.e., family interest) was placed above individual interest. In this book we try to convey the traditional and contemporary influences of parenting and family life in Hong Kong. We also attempt to conduct more theoretical integration and consider ways that can help to promote the family life of adolescents in the Chinese setting.