Changes In Family Structure Research Articles

Exploration of Rural Family Structure Changes and Remodeling of Rural Pension Modes in Contemporary China

Exploration of Rural Family Structure Changes and Remodeling of Rural Pension Modes in Contemporary China

Diversity and Dynamics in Care Networks of Older Americans

Despite growing interest in exploring caregiving alternatives beyond traditional models, limited research has focused on the diverse care networks that provide assistance to older adults. The aim of this study is to illuminate the complexity of older adults’ care networks by developing a typology that considers care from various sources. Using latent class analysis on longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, the authors identify five distinct care network types: spousal care, care exclusively from children, care from both children and other sources, self-care with assistive technology, and care exclusively from nonfamily sources. Further analysis, including multinomial logistic regression and latent transition analysis, reveals that when a spouse is available, older adults, particularly older men, are more likely to rely on spousal care. However, in cases in which spouses and/or children are unavailable, older adults are inclined to turn to diverse care networks involving nontraditional caregivers or resort to self-care using assistive technologies. Additionally, declining health conditions are associated with a higher likelihood of receiving care from more varied care networks. This underscores the evolving nature of care arrangements in response to changing family structures and health needs.

Changes of Family Structure in Nepal

This research article explores the changing family structures in DiktelRupakotMajhuwagadhi Municipality, Khotang, Nepal, driven by various factors such as modernization, globalization, urbanization, and westernization. The study employs a cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling method, gathering data from 1032 respondents who are heads of their respective families, sons, and daughters. The research examines the transition from extended family structures to nuclear families, family authority patterns, healthcare preferences, and economic conditions.The findings indicate a significant shift towards nuclear families, with 70% of families being small nuclear units, and 30% being larger joint family systems. Family authority is increasingly shared between husbands and wives, with both spouses making joint decisions in areas such as expenditure, agricultural work, marriage, and property-related matters.However, the study acknowledges its limitations and recommends further research to understand the underlying reasons behind the observed changes in family structures and decision-making patterns.

A Study of the Effect of Family Structure on Adolescents’ Commitment to Learning

Normalized population mobility leads to smaller family sizes, which in turn leads to changes in China's family structure, with nuclear and single-parent families becoming more common. Research has shown that family structure has an impact on parent-child communication and even on adolescents' commitment in learning, and the impact varies across different types of families. This study centers on the keywords of family structure and learning engagement by reading relevant literature in recent years. According to the study, it is found that adolescents aged 13-15 years old lack communication with their parents, which is often caused by inappropriate communication between the two parties, or other related reasons. Compared with other family structures, parent-child communication in nuclear families is more perfect because they have a simple structure, a better family atmosphere, and parents spend more time with their children. However, parent-child communication in single-parent families is less effective, and parental divorce also has a certain impact on communication, which affects the children's learning efficiency. From the above, it can be seen that family structure affects parent-child relationship, and a good family structure is conducive to the establishment of healthy parent-child relationship.

RESEARCH ON SUPPORT FOR ELDER CARE IN DIFFERENT CULTURES AND SETTINGS

Abstract This cross-culture symposium consists of four studies that examined the interventions, patterns, technology, and challenges for elder care across settings in the U.S., China, and other countries. The first two papers focus on caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). The paper from the U.S. fills that gap by examining the information and communications technology utilization in relation to mental health among Mexican American informal caregivers for persons with ADRD. The findings suggest a need to explore further different types of ICT and their effects on Mexican American informal caregivers’ mental health. To help t reduce social isolation and loneliness, we may consider choosing an appropriate ICT based on their situation and culture. The paper from China highlights ADRD informal caregivers’ needs and struggles, which were ignored by the Chinese public. Also, the paper examined a model for healthcare professionals at inpatient and outpatient clinics to provide support to caregivers medically and emotionally. The third paper is a systematic review summarizing the latest evidence regarding the importance of using technology among people with dementia and their caregivers as an intervention. The fourth paper broadens our horizon by using a multinational comparison perspective to analyze research on pattern recognition and innovation of home-based care under the change of family structure in China. After individual presentations are done, one discussant will summarize shared themes in these papers and provide critical feedback.

INTERGENERATIONAL FINANCIAL TRANSFER AND FAMILY STRUCTURE IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM LASI, 2017–2018

Abstract Understanding patterns of intergenerational support is critical within the context of demographic change, such as changing family structures and population aging. Existing research has analyzed the proportion of direct financial transfers between older parents and adult children and vice-versa. This study also examined the association between family structure and the direction of financial transfer in India. From the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, samples of 30,147 older adults aged 60+ years whose children alive were included. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression methods opted to fulfill the study objectives. Findings showed that the proportion of children-to-parent transfers (13.1%) was triple that of parents-to-children transfers (4.4%). No rural-urban disparity existed in the overall proportion of parents-to-children financial transfers. Conversely, children-to-parent financial transfers have shown marked variation among rural and urban parts of India. Older adults living alone received the most financial support from their children. While controlling sociodemographic and economic characteristics, family characteristics like having children up to eight were significantly associated with higher parents-to-children financial transfers. However, having more than eight children did not show significant effect. Having more children significantly increases the likelihood of financial transfer from children to older parents. Older adults living alone were more likely to receive financial support from children but were less likely to provide it. Filial piety is deeply rooted in India and is reflected through the bond of reciprocity among younger generations to provide financial support to their older parents, which helps older people to maintain better economic well-being.

PATTERN RECOGNITION AND INNOVATION OF HOME-BASED CARE IN CHINA: FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MULTINATIONAL COMPARISON

Abstract The development trend of family structure’s miniaturization and nucleation in China and the overlapping occurrence of population aging and associated frailty and morbidities have created an urgent need for innovation in the home care service model. In this paper, home-based care is regarded as a dynamic pension method. Based on the analysis of dynamic changes in population structure and family structure, this paper uses multi-stage microsimulation technology to scientifically predict the evolution of the older adult population’s distribution state and multi-health state. This approach leads to early identification of the risks of various home-based care models in the process of family structure changes. Based on this, with reference to the home-based care model cases in China, Japan, Europe, and the United States, this paper proposes the innovation of the multi-health state and the “ integrated care at home” model for households with an aging resident and brings up the optimization plan of home-based care service for accelerating the aging process. Implications for policies and practices to support family members to realize this optimized home care model will be discussed.

Patterns and Correlates of Living Arrangement Among the Elderly Population in India

There have been debates about the actual prevalence of joint families in India and the changes in family structure. The popular notion also seems to be that the joint family system is on the decline, and increasingly families are becoming nuclear. This article investigates the living arrangement patterns of the older population and their association with different household background characteristics. We analyse data from the 71st round of the National Sample Survey, which provides a detailed understanding of the living arrangements among the elderly. It reinforces the conventional perception that co-residing with children is still the most preferred option, with about 75% of elderly parents of either sex opting for the same arrangement in the household. In terms of socio-economic and demographic characteristics, the ‘oldest-old’ categories of the elderly were most likely to prefer staying at home with their children. It was found that 80% of the elderly who were physically disabled or confined stayed with their children because they needed support physically. The major reason why the elderly prefer to live with their children was to receive economic support, with over 50% of the elderly across the nation were found to be fully financially dependent. Further, older women were more likely to desire co-residence as a means of receiving financial support since more than 70% of them were dependent monetarily.

Genetic Variants Associated with High Plasma Levels of Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor in a Family with Thrombotic Episodes

Background: High levels of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) have been indicated as independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism. However, the genetic factors responsible for their increase remain still poorly known. In a woman referred to our Thrombosis unit following a venous thrombotic event, very high levels of FVIII and vWF were found at the acute episode and in subsequent measurements. High levels of FVIII and vWF were also detected in other family members, suggesting a possible genetic cause (Figure 1). Aim: To identify variants/genes associated with high levels of FVIII and vWF. Methods: In a large Italian family with high levels of FVIII/vWF and thrombotic episodes, whole-exome sequencing was performed in 12 family members (SureSelect-Agilent). Data were analyzed according to the guidelines of the Broad Institute (https://software.broadinstitute.org/gatk/best-practices/). Variants were annotated (Annovar) and filtered (KGGseq) according to an autosomal dominant inheritance model of high levels of FVIII or vWF. RNA levels were evaluated in PBMCs by qPCR (Thermo Fisher). Results: 20 variants, spread over a 8300-Kb region on chromosome 5, were identified in 12 genes, including the low frequency rs13158382 located upstream of the MIR143/145 genes. Since variants in the promoter of MIR143/145 have been reported to affect their expression and reduced levels of miR-145 have been associated with high vWF, the potential correlation between rs13158382 and vWF levels was evaluated. Lower levels of both miRNAs and higher level of vWF mRNA were measured in family members carrying the variant (n=3) compared to family members without the variant (n=3). Analysis of genetic and expression data from of a larger cohort of individuals from the 1000 Genomes and GEUVADIS project confirmed a statistically significant reduction (p=0.023) of miR-143 in heterozygous subjects (n=35) compared to homozygous wild-type individuals (n=386). Since low levels of pri-miRNA-143/145 were measured in heterozygous family members and structural changes of pre-miR-143 with rs13158382 was predicted by miRVaS tool, the reduction of mature miRNAs might result from a lowered synthesis of pri-miRNAs and/or from an aberrant processing of pre-miRNA. Conclusion: This family-based study revealed a new genetic variant potentially involved in vWF increase by reducing the expression of miR-143/145.

Risk for referral to the child welfare system following parental relationship transitions in Norway

BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge concerning how changes in family structures are associated with involvement in child welfare systems. Particularly little attention has been paid to the role of parental relationship transitions, which may involve major changes in the lives of children and parents in terms of housing, finances, and relationship boundaries between family members. ObjectiveTo investigate how transitions in parental relationship status are linked to referrals to the child welfare system. Participants and settingAll children born in Norway in 1995 (N = 60,218) and 2005 (N = 56,644) and their parents. MethodsThis retrospective birth cohort study consisted of child welfare statistics merged with various registers from Statistics Norway. Logistic panel-data models were used to examine the relationship between the occurrence of a parental relationship transition and referral to the child welfare system. Four types of relationship transitions were analyzed: (1) couple to a single mother, (2) couple to a single father, (3) single mother to a couple, and (4) single father to a couple. ResultsThe occurrence of any type of relationship transition increased the likelihood of referral to the child welfare system in the year that the transition occurred, with the transitions to single motherhood, to single fatherhood, and from single fatherhood to a couple associated with greater odds of referral than the transition from single motherhood to a couple. ConclusionsUnderstanding how parental relationship transitions are associated with referrals to the child welfare system is important to appropriately facilitate help to families in need.

Mapping movie genre evolution (1994 - 2019) using the role of cultural and temporal shifts: a thematic analysis.

The gratification each person seeks through a movie is different. Sometimes a person would seek information through movies or use them for educational purposes, and some might watch movies to escape into a world of fantasy or humour. Keeping in mind the diverse and ever-changing needs of the audience, the primary objective of this study is to observe the evolution of movie genre and content preference in India, which is one of the largest and culturally intriguing movies producing nation across the globe. To attain the objective, the researchers have thematically analysed the top five revenue grossing movie genres over a span of 26 years (1994 to 2019) in Bollywood. More than 100 storylines have been analysed to develop genre trend graphs and the results indicate a sharp decline in the popularity of romantic and family dramas, whereas comedy and action movies have witnessed an overall growth with romantic comedies (romcoms), being the most stable amongst the top five. Several societal factors like the changing family structure, education level, access to dating applications and even terrorism have been considered to elucidate the evolving psyche of the audience. The theoretical understanding of the result is derived from the uses and gratification theory, cross culture communication theory, and Bandura's social cognitive theory. Conclusions: This study would provide film-makers with a guide to understanding the changing movie genre preferences in India, which in turn would help them to produce economically profitable movies in future.

Aging with spinal cord injury: A narrative review of consequences and challenges.

Given the increase in life expectancy, aging with a pre-existing spinal cord injury (SCI) is becoming more common. This condition is challenging as compromised health status and functional independence can worsen. We aimed to provide an updated overview of the consequences of aging with SCI, highlighting the main challenges facing this population in a narrative review of the current literature we retrieved from the PubMed database from 2000 to 2022 on any aspect related to aging in persons with SCI. Here we address adverse circumstances that increase disability and hinder an active lifestyle, such as progressive physical deterioration, secondary health conditions, limitations in personal activity, changes in family and social support structures, aging of caregivers, and depletion of economic resources. Favorable changes are also observed, including psychosocial adjustments that improve quality of life. Additionally, various interventions are discussed to promote well-being, health, and social participation. Due to the relevance of this issue, people with SCI and all those who take care of them must have up-to-date information to carry out the necessary measures to promote healthy aging in a more inclusive social environment.

Family Dynamics and Functioning of Adolescents from Two-Child and One-Child Families in China.

To promote the balanced development with the population, China has phased out a one-child policy in 2016, and a two-child policy was launched, which has led to dramatic changes in family structure. The transition could be a huge challenge for adolescents who are in a period of psychological vulnerability. This study explored the differences and predictors of family dynamics and functioning between two-child and one-child families in the context of China's two-child policy. We used the Self-rating scale of Systemic Family Dynamics (SSFD) and Family Assessment Device-General Functioning (FAD-GF) to investigate the family dynamics, family functioning, and family structure and status of 3289 adolescents under the background of China's two-child policy. Results revealed that the mean scores for family atmosphere, personalization, disease concept, overall family dynamics, and family functioning health rate of the one-child families were higher than those of the two-child families. Parental marital status, mother's education, annual household income, and family economic satisfaction in two-child and one-child families was positively correlated with family dynamics and functioning, but not significantly associated with living style, parental age and employment. Family financial satisfaction, parental marital status, and distress in the family were predictors of family dynamics and functioning, and parental preference was also an important factor in two-child families. The findings suggest family atmosphere, personality, disease concept, family dynamics, and family functioning of the one-child families were better than those of the two-child families. Unlike one-child families, parental preference is an important predictor of family dynamics and functioning in two child families. This study increases our understanding of adolescents psychological problems during family structure transitions under the background of fertility policy, providing psychologists with more evidence-based evidence and intervention directions.

Intergenerational care support transfer: insights from the generation and gender survey

Understanding intergenerational transfers of childcare is crucial in the context of declining birth rates, changing family structures, and population aging. Informal assistance in childcare is highly significant for many families with young children as it helps them balance their professional and parenting responsibilities. Existing research indicates that support provided by parents to their adult children in childcare positively impacts decisions regarding childbirth and women's participation in the labor market. The aim of this study is to analyze patterns of support transfer between different generations and identify factors influencing intergenerational transfers in Moldova. It is based on data from the "Generations and Gender" (GGS) study conducted in 2020. Thanks to its representative sample, the study encompasses aspects such as intergenerational transfers related to childcare and grandchildren, attitudes toward childcare, and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis involves cross-tabulations and logistic regressions to identify factors determining participation/transmission of support in childcare. The research findings demonstrate that grandparents provide significant assistance to their adult children in childcare, particularly during the initial years of the child's life. This support is predominantly received by women with young children and women with higher education with children. Typically, childcare assistance is offered by grandparents approaching pre-retirement and retirement ages. Factors such as children's ages, family size, level of education, and urban residence significantly influence the receipt of childcare assistance. The results underscore the importance of traditional values and societal expectations, providing a nuanced understanding of intergenerational relationships amidst a changing demographic landscape. They could prove valuable for policymakers and developers of programs supporting families with children.

Family Counseling With The Spiritually-Directed Satir Model: A Case Report

The number of studies conducted on the family, which has great importance in the life of the individual and society, is increasing. The need for studies on the establishment, continuity, and protection of the family has increased with the rapid change in family structure and the increasing divorce rates in recent years. Family therapy helps family members to deal with and solve their problems with a holistic perspective. The present study aimed to uncover the effectiveness of Spiritually-directed Family Counseling in complex family problems. Developed by Kılınçer, the “Family Therapy Model Using Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy with the Focus on Spiritual Practices of Islam” is a semi-structured model created by integrating the spiritual-religious sources in Islam with Satir transformational systemic therapy. The study was conducted in 11 sessions with a nuclear family with one child who applied with complex problems such as infidelity, bipolar disorder, cancer, childhood traumas, relationship problems, porn addiction, violence, and suicide attempt. As a result of the therapy, it was found that spirituality-directed family counseling can lead to changes in the family at the first level (less fighting, less anger, calmness, etc.) and at the second level (for the couple to forgive and understand each other internally, opening up more space for each other’s feelings, expectations and longings, etc.).

Mapping movie genre evolution (1994 – 2019) using the role of cultural and temporal shifts: a thematic analysis

Background: The gratification each person seeks through a movie is different. Sometimes a person would seek information through movies or use them for educational purposes, and some might watch movies to escape into a world of fantasy or humour. Keeping in mind the diverse and ever-changing needs of the audience, the primary objective of this study is to observe the evolution of movie genre and content preference in India, which is one of the largest and culturally intriguing movies producing nation across the globe. Methods: To attain the objective, the researchers have thematically analysed the top five revenue grossing movie genres over a span of 26 years (1994 to 2019) in Bollywood. More than 100 storylines have been analysed to develop genre trend graphs and the results indicate a sharp decline in the popularity of romantic and family dramas, whereas comedy and action movies have witnessed an overall growth with romantic comedies (romcoms), being the most stable amongst the top five. Results: Several societal factors like the changing family structure, education level, access to dating applications and even terrorism have been considered to elucidate the evolving psyche of the audience. The theoretical understanding of the result is derived from the uses and gratification theory, cross culture communication theory, and Bandura’s social cognitive theory. Conclusions: This study would provide film-makers with a guide to understanding the changing movie genre preferences in India, which in turn would help them to produce economically profitable movies in future.

Chinese culture became more individualistic: Evidence from family structure, 1953-2017.

Previous research has indicated that some aspects of Chinese culture became more individualistic. However, prior studies have suggested a decrease in individualism in other aspects of China. Thus, it was unclear whether China became more individualistic. Therefore, the current research investigated whether Chinese culture became more individualistic by examining historical changes in family structure. Specifically, I analyzed temporal shifts in the divorce rate and household size, which have been confirmed as valid representative indicators of individualism. Results showed that the divorce rate increased between 1978 and 2017 and household size decreased between 1953 and 2017, indicating a rise in individualism. Moreover, analyses suggested that the one-child policy was unlikely the sole and major factor in the decrease in household size. Additionally, the aggregated score of divorce rate and household size demonstrated a clear increase in individualism. Therefore, the present research provided further evidence of the rise in individualism in China.

Barriers to providing internet-based home care services for urban older adults in China: a qualitative study of the service providers

BackgroundDue to the increasingly aging population in China and the changes in social and family structure, older adults’ care problems are becoming more and more prominent. To meet the home care needs of urban older adults, the Chinese government has launched Internet-Based Home Care Services (IBHCS). Although this model innovation can significantly relieve care problems, more and more evidence shows that there are many barriers in the process of IBHCS supply. The current literature is mostly from the perspective of the service users, and there are very few studies on the experience of service providers.MethodsIn this study, we took a qualitative phenomenological approach and used semi-structured interviews to investigate service providers’ daily experiences and the barriers they encounter. A total of 34 staff from 14 Home Care Service Centers (HCSCs) were included. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified the barriers that service providers encounter in IBHCS supply: (1) bureaucratic repression: unreasonable policy plans, harsh assessment, excessive paperwork, different preferences of government leaders, and obstacles caused by COVID-19 control lead to a shift of focus in their work; (2) profitability crisis in the market: high service costs, dampened effective demand, government intervention in setting prices, and parent companies’ excessively high sales targets hinder the service supply process; (3) client-related challenges: the crisis of confidence, the dilemma of popularizing new technology, and communication barriers lead to rejection by older adults; (4) job dissatisfaction: low and unstable salary, heavy tasks, poor social acceptance of occupations, and lack of professional value reduce work enthusiasm.ConclusionWe have investigated the barriers faced by service providers when providing IBHCS for urban older adults in China, providing empirical evidence in the Chinese context for the relevant literature. In order to provide IBHCS better, it is necessary to improve the institutional environment and market environment, strengthen publicity and communication, target customer needs, and adjust the working conditions of front-line workers.

Chinese culture became more individualistic: Evidence from family structure, 1953-2017

Previous research has indicated that some aspects of Chinese culture became more individualistic. However, prior studies have suggested a decrease in individualism in other aspects of China. Thus, it was unclear whether China became more individualistic. Therefore, the current research investigated whether Chinese culture became more individualistic by examining historical changes in family structure. Specifically, I analyzed temporal shifts in the divorce rate and household size, which have been confirmed as valid representative indicators of individualism. Results showed that the divorce rate increased between 1978 and 2017 and household size decreased between 1953 and 2017, indicating a rise in individualism. Moreover, analyses suggested that the one-child policy was unlikely the sole and major factor in the decrease in household size. Additionally, the aggregated score of divorce rate and household size demonstrated a clear increase in individualism. Therefore, the present research provided further evidence of the rise in individualism in China.

Traditional family upbringing in China

Introduction. The family is the basic organization of social interaction formed on the basis of marriage, blood relations and adoption. Its changes are inevitably connected with politics. The process of reconstructing various economic, cultural, social and other relationships in the context of the family constantly challenges the internal structure of the traditional Chinese family. In China, the structure and functions of the family have undergone major changes over time, which affect not only the family itself, but also have an impact on the stable and healthy functioning of society as a whole. In traditional family education, the principle of the primacy of family interests is observed, but preference is given to boys. Within the framework of traditional Chinese culture, the main focus is on the upbringing of boys, since boys have a higher status in the family than girls. Inequality in traditional education in China is manifested in gender differences related to the education of children, with the distribution of family education resources and in the difference in the years of education of boys and girls. Materials and Methods. Confucianism, which is one of the three main religions of the Chinese, preaches the so–called "xiao" – the cult of family and obedience of the younger to the elders. According to traditions, children serve their parents and strictly obey their will. Therefore, at preschool age, the personal example of adults becomes especially relevant for the child. The rule of the psychological "mirror", based on children's impressionability and the desire to imitate, is also known in European pedagogical practice. However, the Chinese attach special importance to a personal example, in addition, they carefully choose their child's environment. Results. The current family upbringing and education in our country is traditional, stereotypical and conservative in the formation of gender. In particular, in the field of gender expectations, gender perceptions and gender education. Many parents still do not have a scientific understanding of gender issues, and many parents are often unaware of their children's gender education. Although the academic community is concerned about changes in China's modern family structure, the discussion of this topic focuses on a wide range of issues. Discussion and Conclusions. Under the influence of modern civilization and education, the traditional way of the family, the relationship between spouses, the structure of the family, the issues of raising children are undergoing changes, gradually turning into an open and democratic system where the upbringing of children is comprehensive.