Filial Piety Research Articles

Perceptions of family values and gender norms in China: impact of global and domestic media

This study investigates how contemporary Chinese residents differ in their views on gender and the family, facilitated by multivariate analysis. The main categories of the study are patrilineality, filial piety and gender norms in the family. The achievement of the formulated research objective is ensured through the identification of the potential significance of demographic factors and personal parameters of the survey participants. The analysis of the covariance method was used to see if there was a statistically significant difference between the independent groups after the covariates. According to the results of the multidimensional analysis for three models and five dependent variables, predictors related to generational affiliation, gender and rural or urban residence demonstrate their unique influence on the manifestation of family values and readiness to adhere to traditional gender roles. The predictor of content consumption produced by global media outlets was found to be statistically significant in the study.

Evoking the Past: The Ning Mao Sarcophagus and Images of the Deceased in Early Medieval China

This paper examines the multifarious functions of images of the deceased (muzhu xiang 墓主像) during the late Northern Wei period (494–534). It focuses on a series of human figures engraved on the Ning Mao sarcophagus, a house-shaped stone coffin constructed ca. 527 and discovered near Luoyang in 1931. By comparing these images with those found on other contemporary sarcophagi from Luoyang, this paper posits that they exemplify two principal approaches to representing the deceased in the Northern Wei dynasty. The first approach alludes to the presence of Ning Mao and his wife through parental figures in didactic narrative scenes, which subsequently serve as stand-in images for the deceased couple. The second approach is embodied in the three gentlemanly figures on the back wall of the sarcophagus; these idealized images encapsulate the political, spiritual, and cultural pursuits of native Chinese elites. Both the stand-in and idealized images of the deceased on the Ning Mao sarcophagus are employed to connect the past with the present, an aspect intrinsically tied to the performance of filial piety in early medieval China.

Learning to care on one's own: Chinese children's caregivers' reflections on family care

AbstractBackgroundThe past few decades have witnessed drastic changes in family structures and the provision of care within the family in China.ObjectiveThe current study investigated how familial caregivers of children (N = 30, Mage = 41.67, SD = 11.32) living in one of the largest urban centers in China learned and taught how to care within the family.MethodNine focus groups were conducted to collect data, and thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data.ResultsTwo main themes were found: (a) learning to care on one's own and (b) the importance of encouraging one to want to care. The findings indicate that Chinese caregivers received limited direct instruction in learning how to care and were often faced with the challenge of having to self‐teach care. Meanwhile, when teaching care, caregivers focused on the motivation to care (e.g., filial piety) as an important element for learning to practice care.ConclusionThese findings highlight considerations of motivation of care often not mentioned in the Western literature while also indicating the need of society to support teaching and learning the practice of care within the family.ImplicationsThis study highlights the importance of cultural considerations when designing intervention programs to help individuals to develop the ability to care and provides insights exploring how school‐family partnership promotes children's ability to be caring.

Exploring the Influencing Factors of Experienced Nurses' Retention Behaviour: A Qualitative Study Based on the COM-B Model.

The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing the retention behaviour of experienced nurses in China, using the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) model as a conceptual framework. A qualitative descriptive study based on the COM-B model. In this qualitative descriptive study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurses across 11 cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area of China between March and May 2024. The interviews followed a predefined topic guide derived from the COM-B model. The transcriptions of the interviews were then subjected to deductive thematic analysis. Eleven key themes emerged, which were embedded in three categories of the COM-B model, including capability (physical and mental health, professional knowledge and skills), motivation (increasing income, sense of fulfilment in nursing work, positive colleague relationships and job stability) and opportunity (management, career development opportunities, work-life balance, prejudice against nursing and workload). The study provides new perspectives on factors influencing the retention of experienced nurses in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. The study identified 11 factors that influence nurse retention behaviour, emphasising three distinctive perceptions: the 'iron rice bowl', the concept of filial piety and public prejudice towards nursing in Chinese society, which are unique to China compared to other nations. Additionally, it revealed similarities in nurse retention factors across Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. To strengthen nurse retention, it is essential to develop tailored strategies for experienced nurses. Future research should also take social culture into account to enhance retention efforts. This study's reporting adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Breaking the silence: exploring the sociocultural context of domestic violence for Chinese migrant women in Australia

Research examining the specificity of domestic violence (DV) for culturally and linguistically diverse women has grown considerably in Australia over the past several years, however, few studies have focused on the experiences of East Asian migrant victim-survivors of DV. This article reports on findings from an in-depth qualitative study and explores the perceptions of and responses to DV for Chinese migrant women from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The article shows that sociocultural and patriarchal values had an enduring impact on women’s experiences of and decision-making for DV. It also shows how cultural norms and practices connected to face (面子), family harmony (家庭和睦), family hierarchy (等級家庭制) and filial piety (孝) can be exploited by perpetrators and used against victim-survivors in the enactment of DV and coercive control. Findings highlight the importance of attending to the cultural specificity of DV for migrant women with a shared ethnicity with policy and practice implications for the provision of support from both mainstream and multicultural services.

Differential Modes of Mobilization: Building a National Chinese LGBTQ Movement with the Family

Combining the differential mode of association theory with social movement studies of families, I develop the concept, differential modes of mobilization, to understand how the state and family influence LGBTQ rights. Using in-depth qualitative research on two Chinese LGBTQ organizations, my empirical analysis shows that Common Language and PFLAG–China (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in China) anchor their visions of social change for LGBTQ people to differential mobilizing processes. Common Language connects key social sectors to LGBTQ issues, integrating LGBTQ rights into the state-recognized, family-centered “gender equality” framework. Strategizing around filial piety norms, PFLAG–China anchors its strategy in sequenced changes from the personal level to the entire society, accompanying LGBTQ people and their families as they work on self-acceptance and becoming agents of social change.

Death acceptance among Lodha older adults: their perceptions of ‘good death’ during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT A ‘good death’, one that is natural and involves lesser suffering and distress, is elusive in the present time. Indiscriminate uses of life-sustaining medical technologies in present times only lead older people and their families to frantically search for ‘good death’. On the other hand, there is little information on ageing and dying in folk and indigenous societies. In response to the huge information deficit, this article attempts to explore perceptions about death in old-age among Lodhas, a Mundari-speaking tribal community of eastern India. Interacting with only living 15 elderly members in a hamlet let us know their beliefs like, 1. Death being inevitable, they do not seek medical interventions to postpone it; 2. Close connection with nature till death brings peace; 3. No compromise with personal autonomy; and 4. Filial piety in moments of dying. The study theorises their indigenous beliefs are keys to ageing and dying well in the Lodha community. Hopefully, the insights from the ethnic group will be a lesson for modern societies to overcome death anxiety in old-age.

Relationship between Filial Piety and Life Satisfaction among Young Adults in Malaysia and the UK: The Mediating Role of Perfectionism

Filial piety and perfectionism are associated with life satisfaction and are influenced by family values. This study examined the roles of filial piety beliefs and perfectionism in life satisfaction among 379 young adults aged 18 to 25 in Malaysia (n = 199) and the United Kingdom (n = 180). In both samples, reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety beliefs showed positive correlations with life satisfaction, while maladaptive perfectionism correlated negatively with life satisfaction. There was a positive correlation between adaptive perfectionism and life satisfaction only in the Malaysian sample. In both samples, adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationship between reciprocal filial piety and life satisfaction, but in opposite directions. That is, higher reciprocal filial piety was related to higher adaptive perfectionism and greater life satisfaction; higher reciprocal filial piety was also related to lower maladaptive perfectionism and better life satisfaction. Furthermore, maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationship between authoritarian filial piety and life satisfaction in both samples; higher authoritarian filial piety was related to higher maladaptive perfectionism and reduced life satisfaction. However, specifically in the Malaysian sample, higher authoritarian filial piety predicted greater adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism. Findings highlight the importance of considering traditional family values, individual differences, and their interaction when evaluating subjective wellbeing.

Cross‐domain policy feedback effects on mass publics

AbstractScholars have extensively explored policy feedback effects on mass publics. However, research exploring how one policy's implementation affects public preferences for another remains limited. This study proposes a novel cross‐domain policy feedback framework, emphasizing functional and normative interdependence as two mechanisms yielding cross‐domain resource and interpretive effects. We use multiple sets of nationally representative survey data and archival records from China, a context deeply rooted in filial piety culture. We employ a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and multilevel regressions to explore the effects of the one‐child policy on public preferences for old‐age support. The findings indicate that individuals subjected to more stringent enforcement exhibit increased support for the government assuming the responsibility for old‐age support. These changes largely stem from the reduction in their actual and desired number of children. The findings have significant implications for mass feedback research and reform efforts regarding population planning and public pension systems.

PEMBINAAN AKHLAK KELUARGA MENURUT PRESPEKTIF AL-QURAN DAN AS-SUNNAH

The increasingly degenerate morals of society today are a direct impact of advances in technology and information. Therefore, efforts to improve society's morals must be carried out as soon as possible. To create a good social order, of course it starts from the family. This research shows that: (1) The husband's morals towards his wife are giving a dowry, providing a living, interacting with his wife as well as possible and guiding and educating his wife's religion. (2) The wife's morals towards her husband are obeying her husband in terms of goodness, being the best wife and interacting with her husband as well as possible. (3) The morals of parents towards children are paying attention to the child's growth and development and educating the child's religion. (4) Children's morals towards their parents, namely when the parents are still alive, speak to them with good manners, courtesy and gentleness, obey and follow the parents' wishes as long as they do not disobey Allah and pray for both of them. If a parent has died, then filial piety is carried out by taking care of both of their bodies as well as possible, paying off their debts, carrying out their will, continuing the friendship that they both built when they were alive, glorifying both of their friends, praying and giving alms on behalf of both of them.

Exploring Miracles and Wonders in Pre-Modern Korean Society through the Samguk yusa

Samguk yusa 三國遺事 (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), compiled by Iryŏn 一然 (1206–1289), a prominent Buddhist monk in Koryŏ, stands as one of Korea’s most valued historical classics. This classic weaves together a collection of captivating and unconventional narratives—marked by their peculiarity, miracles, and wonder—diverging from the usual societal norms. Unlike traditional historical chronicles such as Samguk sagi 三國史記 (Histories of the Three Kingdoms), Samguk yusa presents a diverse mosaic woven with historical anecdotes, legends, and folklore, especially emphasizing connections to Buddhism. The tales of miraculous events hold historical significance, serving as reflective mirrors that not only shaped the beliefs of pre-modern Korean Buddhists but also influenced the wider population of that era in Korea. This paper delves into the cultural significance and societal roles of miracles and wonders within pre-modern Korean society, particularly through a thorough exploration of narratives and accounts within the Samguk yusa. Through these miraculous stories, the Samguk yusa not only validates the spiritual power of Buddhism but also redefines concepts like filial piety and national protection by integrating them into the Buddhist framework. This ensured Buddhism’s enduring significance in Silla society and reinforced the importance of the supernatural as an integral part of a holistic view of history and culture.

Reconsidering gender norms in childcare within Chinese migrant families in Portugal.

Historically, Chinese societies have been characterized by patriarchal structures (Confucianism and filial piety) that assign distinct roles to men and women within the family unit. These norms typically dictate that women take on the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, while men are expected to be the primary breadwinners. As the authors observe the second generation of Chinese immigrants settling in Portugal, the immigrants grapple with the significant challenge of striving to preserve cultural heritage with the adaptation to Western norms. Therefore, there is a growing recognition of the need to reassess these traditional gender norms. Women in these families are increasingly participating in the workforce, challenging the notion that childcare should be solely to their domain. This study focuses on the experiences of Chinese immigrants, including both married couples and single individuals residing in Portugal. Through qualitative research methods such as interviews (involving 25 participants) and observations, the research aims to gain a nuanced understanding of the attitude and engagement toward childcare, and the ways it differs between men and women in these immigrant families. Participants' responses indicate that men's anticipation of women dedicating more time to childcare is notably influenced by educational attainment and financial circumstances. Conversely, women generally believe that being exempt from labor is not a viable alternative irrespective of their educational qualifications. The traditional distribution of caregiving duties does not consistently apply to Chinese female immigrants. By exploring the influence of traditional Confucian culture on migrants' perspectives and challenges in assuming parental responsibilities, this study highlights gender disparities among Chinese immigrants and propose solutions to address this gender conflict on division.

Aging With Emerging Social Welfare and Disappearing Filial Piety: Chinese Migrant Workers' Pathways Toward Financial Retirement Planning.

This study examines the pathways and mechanisms linking Chinese migrant workers' migration experiences and their financial retirement planning. Using a mixed-methods approach with 1083 surveys and 32 interviews, this study finds that having a good financial status and social support system and maintaining a hopeful attitude toward retirement are direct pathways toward good financial retirement planning. Good health and hope for retirement are further enhanced by a good financial status and social support. Conversely, poor health and negative employment experiences are linked to poor financial retirement planning. The qualitative findings provide a contextual understanding of the pathways identified in the quantitative analyses. Migrant workers often face a dilemma between self-reliance for retirement and relying on filial piety. These findings apply not only to Chinese migrant workers but also to all migrant workers with limited access to healthcare and public pensions for retirement.

Good People Do Not Eat Others?! Moral Ambiguity in Japanese Fairytales from the Late Nineteenth Century

In 2015, the Japanese public broadcaster NHK aired an educational series that re-examined traditional fairy tales by putting their characters on trial for their immoral behavior, such as revenge, violence, and dishonesty. These tales, rooted in premodern Japanese folklore, were widely available in various book formats by the late nineteenth century and, unlike modern adaptations, they did not sanitize violence or evil. This study analyzes four miniature picture books from the late nineteenth century that recount the story, Kachikachi yama (The Crackling Mountain). This analysis focuses on both verbal and visual representations of good and evil, with attention to themes of loyalty, filial piety, and virtuous revenge. The findings reveal that these picture books presented young readers with complex moral lessons, where the boundaries between good and evil were blurred. Additionally, they illuminate the prevailing image of children during that era, depicting them as “little adults” expected to be educated and prepared for the practical realities of the adult world.

PARENTS IN THE HOLY QUR’ĀN: A STUDY OF THE CONCEPT OF SHUKR, IHSAN AND BIRR AL-WĀLIDAYN

The Holy Qur’ān abounds with rules of conduct and, taken in its entirety, establishes much of the way of life desired by Almighty Allah. It contains more exhortations than stipulations. Most of the Holy Qur’ān rallies Muslims to act justly and reframes their moral knowledge in a context of retribution and reward in this world and judgement and subsequent punishment and reward in the next. Several verses in the Holy Qur’ān include exhortations about parents. This study follows such Quranic verses to underline the fundamental rules and principles concerning the treatment of one’s parents and explores the duties required of parents towards their children. It examines the semantics of certain terms used in discussions about filial piety, underlines their significance and explores some grammatical features. Furthermore, it examines bad behaviour towards parents from a Quranic perspective. The author argues that the Holy Qur’ān holds parents in such high esteem that respect and kindness towards them is considered second only in importance to worshipping Almighty Allah.

Inheritance and Innovation of Chinese Filial Piety Culture Restated

Inheritance and Innovation of Chinese Filial Piety Culture Restated

Benevolence (ren) and family piety (xiao): Analysis based on the Confucian doctrine of ren wei tian sheng (humans are born of tian)

ABSTRACT For Confucianism nowadays, the characteristics and relationship between benevolence and filial piety are crucial topics. This paper is a discussion of the relationship between benevolence and filial piety in Confucianism from a new doctrine, i.e. the doctrine of ren wei tian sheng 人为天生 (humans are born of tian). Confucianists believed that man’s existence as a human was derived from tian. This was extended to mean that, in contrast to being born into a family, part of being ‘human’ was also given by tian. The two virtues are applicable to different occasions, and require different moral competencies. Based on these premises, Confucianism conceived of an ideal order. Confucianism holds that junzi (gentlemen) involved in politics must fulfil the virtues of benevolence, justice, loyalty and trustworthiness, while xiaoren (ordinary people) are only expected to do their filial duty within the family.

Does greater filial piety bring more gender income advantages? Exploring the influence of traditional Chinese filial piety on the gender wage gap

PurposeBased on traditional Chinese filial piety, this article examines the impacts and mechanisms of the two-dimensional filial piety concept “Qinqin – Zunzun” on gender wages in China via China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted in 2014 and 2018.Design/methodology/approachThis article construct regression models to examine the relationship between filial piety concepts and wages. Also, it uses unconditional quantile regression and decomposition to explore the impact of filial piety concepts on the wage gap.FindingsIt is found that: (1) The effects of two-dimensional filial piety are heterogeneous in terms of gender. Specifically, authoritarian filial piety significantly suppresses individual wages and has a stronger suppressive effect on women’s wages, whereas affinity filial piety significantly enhances individual wages without gender heterogeneity; (2) Parents' time support in the intergenerational exchange model is a crucial mechanism by which filial piety affects wages, exhibiting significant gender heterogeneity; (3) Regarding wage distribution, authoritarian filial piety mainly widens the gender income gap in the low and middle income-groups, while affinity filial piety narrows the gender wage gap by “raising the floor”, with its converging effect being most significant in the middle and high-income groups. This article deepens the understanding of the gender wage gap and intergenerational income mobility, providing policy references for better utilizing the social governance function of culture.Originality/valueThe article deepens the understanding and mechanisms of the gender wage gap and inter-generational income mobility, providing policy reference for better utilizing the social governance function of culture.

Rely on whom you trust? Trust and financial planning for retirement

We study the role of trust in shaping financial planning for retirement under a three-pillar pension system. Using data from two waves of the China Retirement Readiness Index Survey and multiple measures of trust in various entities, we find that trust in government, employers, and financial institutions increases the probability of developing a financial plan involving government, employer, and self-provision, respectively, as well as the estimated proportions of retirement income derived from each source. Our study deepens the understanding of how specific trust affects planning practices in the context of multiple retirement income sources and a culture featuring filial piety.

Filial piety, Caregiving Self-Efficacy, and Caregiver Burden in Sandwich Generation Caregivers: What Are the Relationships?

Caring for an elderly parent, while also raising children, presents unique challenges. This study explores how filial piety—respect for elders—affects the stress of such caregivers, focusing on their caregiving self-efficacy, or confidence in their abilities. Surveying 202 caregivers, a link was found between filial piety and higher self-efficacy, leading to a sense of competence in caregiving tasks. However, this confidence did not uniformly reduce caregiver burden; it depended on the caregiving aspect. Confidence in handling emotional stress and securing breaks correlated with less burden, while dealing with disruptive behaviors correlated with more. These nuances highlight the complex role of self-efficacy in caregiver well-being, emphasizing the need for targeted support for the sandwich generation in various caregiving scenarios.