Young Chinese Research Articles

Sexual behaviours and associated risks in Chinese young people: a meta-analysis

The earlier and unprotected sexual behaviour of young Chinese, and the consequences of these actions, have become a health concern, posing a challenge to traditional Chinese concepts. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in sexual behaviour and associated risks among adolescents and young people in mainland China over the past three decades. A meta-analysis was undertaken to comprehensively review the sexual behaviour of Chinese young people (aged from 10 to 24 years) over the past 30 years. Relevant data published from 1979 to 2009 in the Chinese literature database were identified and retrieved. Analysis was performed based on set criteria. Seventy-five studies were identified that were published after 1990. Overall, the estimated prevalence of sexual intercourse among young people was 12.6%, with an average age at sexual debut of 19.4 years. The rate of condom use at sexual debut was 37.2%; 53.6% of young people reported not using a condom during the most recent act of sexual intercourse. The rates of unintentional pregnancy and abortion among the sexually active were 15.1% and 10.8%, respectively. Reviewing the data according to decades revealed that the number of young people engaging in sexual intercourse decreased from 14.3% in 1990-1999 to 11.8% in 2000-2009. However, these rates are higher than the prevalence of sexual activity reported before 1990, which, according to sporadic studies, did not exceeded 1%. There have been increases in sexual activity and high-risk sexual behaviour in Chinese young people in the decades since the adoption of the open door policy in China, particularly since the mid-1990s. High-risk sexual behaviours have contributed to certain adverse consequences in adolescents and young people, such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmissible infection. Thus, efficacious intervention strategies need to be developed and implemented.

Are Chinese women turning sharp-tongued?

What are the preferred styles of women’s talk among young Chinese, who, at least in urban China, spend much time interacting online? Using controversial episodes from a popular matchmaking show in China as the basis of discussion, we invited college students to participate in three synchronous online focus groups to discuss issues related to women’s talk in contemporary China. We identified five major themes associated with their observations and notions about women’s talk in everyday life: sharp talk, humor, lady talk, baby talk, and cursing. We observed that changing ideologies and internal tensions and inconsistencies among governments, media, and citizens mean that expectations for women’s talk are not a constant, but are always tied to historical changes and challenges. At a methodological level, we suggest that the creative use of new communication technologies can provide a more familiar and practical way of asking and answering questions about language and gender.

Escaping the World: A Chinese Perspective on Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds and 'the Internet' in general are highly popular in the People's Republic of China. This article will argue, though, that in contrast to non-Chinese perceptions of virtual worlds and the Internet, Chinese users tend to see virtual worlds as wholly separate from their offline existence and identity.Based on the authors research experience with the Chinese Internet, and his years of teaching Chinese students in the 3D online world Second Life, the paper will demonstrate that Chinese usage frames virtual worlds (and the Internet in general) as spaces, in which it is permissible to rebel against authority, where users receive validation and approval from their peers, and where they can escape their often stressful and boring lives. The low costs involved, and the high entertainment value of virtual worlds, combined with a perception of virtual worlds as 'gaming', 'consequence-less' and 'not serious' spaces, contributes to the high attractiveness of virtual worlds to young Chinese, which has led to a moral panic in society about the dangers of Internet or gaming 'addiction'.The article will conclude that this framing of virtual worlds is so strong in China, in particular among young Chinese, that any attempt to utilize virtual worlds for other purposes, e.g. marketing, education, etc. will have to carefully re-frame and re-situate virtual worlds for Chinese Internet users.

Genetic susceptibility, birth weight and obesity risk in young Chinese

Birth weight reflects prenatal metabolic adaption and has been related to later-life obesity risk. This study aimed to evaluate whether birth weight modifies the effect of genetic susceptibility on obesity risk in young Chinese. We recruited 540 young (14-30 years) and obese patients (body mass index, BMI30 kg m(-2)), and 500 age- and sex-matched normal-weight healthy individuals (BMI<23 kg m(-2)). We genotyped 23 BMI-associated genetic variants identified from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Caucasians with European ancestry with minor allele frequency>0.05 in HapMap Han Chinese in Beijing, China. Six loci, including SEC16B, GNPDA2, BDNF, FTO, MC4R and TMEM160, were significantly associated with obesity risk, with odds ratio from 1.314 to 1.701. The 23 risk loci accounted for 6.38% of the genetic variance in obesity. We created two genetic risk scores (GRSs) by summing the risk alleles of all 23 (GRS1) and 6 obesity-associated (GRS2) genetic variants. Prediction of obesity was significantly improved (P<0.001) when the GRS1 and GRS2 were added to a model with age and gender, with improvement of discrimination for obesity by 0.8% and 2.7%, respectively. In addition, we found that the two GRSs interacted with birth weight in relation to obesity (Pinteraction<0.001). The genetic effect appeared to be more pronounced in individuals with normal range of birth weight (25-75%) than those with either low (<25%) or high (>75%) birth weight. We confirmed the associations of the single-nucleotide polymorphism tagging six loci reported in recent GWAS with obesity in young Chinese. Our data also suggest birth weight may significantly modify genetic susceptibility to obesity risk.

‘As a rice plant in a wheat field’: identity negotiation among children of Chinese immigrants

This work presents an overview of the results of a 2003/4 research project funded by the Italian Ministry of Welfare. The goal of the project was to provide some insight into the process of identity construction among children of immigrants in Italy. Being in charge of the Chinese case study, I carried out 8 months of fieldwork among a group of Chinese teenagers in Rome. The results show how the young Chinese in Italy maintain a strong awareness of their ethnic belonging. The Italian environment is perceived as a collection of opportunities: tools that can be exploited to pursue an ideal of young Chinese overseas at one time deeply attached to the culture of origin but also anti-traditional.

Corporate Ethics: China vs. USA

Fairness is one of the basic aspects of business exchange. Ethics are principles used to establish fairness. This study will look at background and origins for different American and Chinese ethical beliefs. It is important for U.S. and Chinese firms to understand each others cultural perspectives, especially as the Chinese market opens up. Methods to resolve ethical conflict will be reviewed. Business agents from both cultures can relate and deal with each other if they have the knowledge, skills, and patience to do so. This study builds on prior research that suggests that younger Chinese are more concerned with profit than with abiding by regulations or adhering to corporate ethics. The major argument of this study is that future Chinese business leaders, born after Chinas one-child policy was implemented in 1979, will be primarily concerned with self-interest and making decisions that will benefit them individually. Guanxi (interpersonal connections or human relationships), corporate ethics and social responsibility (CESR) beliefs will be reduced in importance and influence. American managers should incorporate this information when formulating a China strategy.

China in the World: A History since 1644 by The Curriculum Specialists at Primary Source, Inc., editors (review)

Reviewed by: China in the World: A History since 1644by The Curriculum Specialists at Primary Source, Inc., editors Jeremiah Jenne (bio) The Curriculum Specialists at Primary Source, Inc., editors. China in the World: A History since 1644. Boston: Cheng and Tsui, 2009. xvii, 391 pp. Includes CD-ROM. Paperback $53.99, isbn978-0-88727-621-7. While few educators deny that understanding China is important for today’s students, until now most materials on Chinese history and society have primarily for the postsecondary classroom. China and the World: A History since 1644seeks to fill this gap and for the most part does an admirable job. Twenty chapters divided into five units cover the period from the Manchu conquest in 1644 down to the present day. The narrative and pacing of the curriculum are neat and efficient. Each unit and chapter is well structured with separate headings for chapter contents, an organizing idea, key questions, and a list of terms. While written for secondary students, the compilers and chapter authors have done a commendable job in not dumbing down important concepts. Most international China scholars will be satisfied with the tone and content of the narrative. I qualify “international” China scholars because while the text [End Page 502]does a fine job of incorporating recent historiography and scholarship on China, there is little mention about how the narrative presented here departs substantially from how the same topics are taught in China or are understood by many Chinese. It is important to learn China’s history, but it is equally necessary to understand how Chinese see their own past and how it relates to their present and the future. This is not to say that a textbook written for English-speaking secondary school students ought pass muster with the PRC Ministry education, but a note or sidebar explaining alternative interpretations would be useful. For example, most foreign accounts of the Boxer movement mention that the anti-foreign Boxers also killed thousands of their own countrymen and women, a decidedly more complicated tale than that taught in PRC schools where it is taught the Boxers were heroic Chinese patriots protecting their country from foreign imperialists. It is not always necessary to “teach the controversy,” but considering this interpretation of the Boxers, as well as other events during China’s “Century of Humiliation,” is necessary to understanding Chinese nationalism in the present day. A set of related discussion questions asks students to think about how this event could be used by the government to promote nationalism. Without some background about how the Boxers as narrative is constructed and deployed in Chinese schools, students not from China may not be able to fully appreciate the extent to which events like the Boxers inform the way many Chinese view the world today. A later chapter includes excerpts from a speech given in 1952 by Mao Zedong on the “liberation” of the Tibetans that does give some insight into the internal logic of the CCP regarding the status of Tibet. But this is presented as an artifact of history. Given the ability to include video via the supplementary CD-ROM, the authors might have considered the inclusion of more recent government statements on the Dalai Lama or clips from the 2008 patriotic viral video “China Stand Up!” This video serves as a chilling reminder that Tibet is not just a matter of history or international politics but remains an emotionally charged issue for many young Chinese. The accompanying CD-ROM and the structure of each chapter and section make this an excellent teaching tool for secondary teachers. Each chapter comes with an array of activities, all of which develop core analytical skills while utilizing a wide variety of primary sources including texts, maps, photographs, posters, and video. The lesson plans are thoughtful and engaging and foster a high level of student interaction with the sources. Introductory essays provide a contextual framework for students’ exploration of the primary materials. Suggested activities include mapping exercises, mock negotiations, creative writing assignments, debates, discussions, and role-playing. All of the activities seem designed to help students read and appreciate primary sources and to gently wean secondary students away...

Teaching English in Turkmenistan

The English language has fast become a global language. In Asia, from the far steppes of Mongolia to the beaches of Thailand, to the shores of the Caspian Sea, English print, music, and along with language, Western values, have spread and multiplied. New technology and media, especially the Internet (Crystal, 1996/2003), have helped carry English to people of all nationalities and economic classes. But many scholars feel that the rise of English is connected with the downfall of indigenous languages (Fishman, 1996; Crawford, 1996; McCarty, 2003). Minority languages face extinction as English rides the wave of increasing globalization (Romaine, 2001). Since 2007, Newsweek, The China Daily, and other international media sources have been citing English as the language of economic success in China. Adherents of English claim that it brings positive social change, economic opportunities, consumer goods, and new technologies (Castells, 2001). Such materialistic temptations cause some minority youth to discount the value of their languages and traditions. In Native America, for example, a small minority of Native Americans youth may feel that exchanging, dismissing, or even abandoning their native language and culture for English and a Western lifestyle represents progress and success in the form of material goods and a modern lifestyle (Crawford, 1996; McCarty, 2003). Similarly, in China, English is viewed as the language of economic success by many young Chinese. Opponents of the rise of English view the language, and its underlying cultural messages, as imperialistic. Phillipson (1992) accuses ESL educators of making a negative cultural impact upon unsuspecting indigenous peoples all over the world. Skutnabb-Kangas (2000) asserts that English can be used as a tool by Western nations for global dominance.

Does Proximity Encourage Tolerance and Less State-Centrism?: Dismissing Monolithic Chinese Youth Perception of Terrorism and Security in a Comparative Regional Study

After 9/11, the exact perception among young Chinese of terrorism and security is little known to the world. What are their views and how are they formed? Are there any obvious differences in perception between young Chinese in different parts of China? What causes this disparity, if there is any? Are these differences intentionally created by the Chinese party-state top-down, or are they only nurtured in a bottom-up, decentralized manner? Using primary research findings obtained from original quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses, this article attempts to offer an empirical answer to these questions. The article is arranged in three sections. The first provides a review of the literature on the topic and describes the research methodology used. The second offers an analysis of our survey findings on how university students from two different cities, Shanghai and Xi'an, evolve distinctive perceptions about terrorism and security. The third section explains the framework used to analyse our findings, which can be summarized as “the nearer, the more tolerant and the less state-centric” towards terrorist-related topics. A conclusion suggests the possible roles of—and wake-up calls for—the Chinese state and the media in light of these disparate perceptions.

RESEARCH NOTE: Language with attitude: American slang and Chinese lǐyǔ1

The Mandarin registers known as lǐyǔ (俚语) have commonly been translated as ‘slang,’ though traditionally lǐyǔ has differed from slang in English by virtue of its strong link to regionalism. A newly emergent version of lǐyǔ that is prominent among young Chinese is marked not by regionalism but by its Internet‐enabled global purview. This youth‐culture lǐyǔ, like the student slang described by Eble (1996), functions as a device to promote group solidarity while also serving as an identity marker for China's millennial generation. Lǐyǔ, like the numerous versions of slang described in English, Portuguese and other languages, is marked by ebullient or non‐deferential affect, an attribute that helps explains the close association between slang and swearwords. Slang and lǐyǔ lexemes, in light of the affect they entail, are the pragmatic opposites of honorifics – terms which index deference within formal, hierarchical structures.

Suicidal Ideation, Plans, and Attempts Among Rural Young Chinese: The Effect of Suicide Death by a Family Member or Friend

Suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts have been found to be predictors of suicide. This study aims to estimate the suicidal behaviors in rural China. We studied 784 respondents as informants of suicide and 1,247 respondents as informants of community living controls, with the NCS-R measures on suicidal behaviors. The lifetime prevalence of ideation, plans, and attempts among the informants of suicide was 18.1, 4.1, and 1.7%, and the 12-month prevalence was 12.1, 2.2, and 0.4%, respectively. The prevalence scores were higher for the family members than for friends of suicide. The risk factors for suicidal behaviors include being parents or spouse of the suicide, female gender, low education level, and being never married. As suicidal behaviors are more observed among those who have a suicide death in the family or among close friends, suicide screening and intervention efforts should be focused on this type of population.

A Survey of Coronary Heart Disease Knowledge in a Sample of Hong Kong Chinese

Using a self-developed questionnaire, this study examined the knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) in 467 Hong Kong Chinese, comprising participants with a low risk (LR) of CHD and high risk (HR) of CHD, and those who had had a myocardial infarction (MI). The results showed that the LR and HR respondents were less likely to respond correctly to items regarding knowledge of typical symptoms and certain risk factors for CHD. The MI group had the highest level of CHD knowledge. Significant differences were found across the 3 target populations in most of the domains of CHD knowledge. Women and older respondents of the LR population were found to have better CHD knowledge than their counterparts. The study highlighted that CHD prevention in Hong Kong should not focus on secondary prevention at the expense of primary prevention. Promotion of knowledge should be targeted to primary education, in particular among the male population and younger Chinese.

Mental Disorders and Suicide Among Young Rural Chinese: A Case-Control Psychological Autopsy Study

The authors examined the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders in rural Chinese 15-34 years of age who committed suicide. They hypothesized that mental illness is a risk factor for suicide in this population and that the prevalence of mental illness is lower in females than in males. In this case-control psychological autopsy study, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information from proxy informants for 392 suicide victims and 416 living comparison subjects. Five categories of DSM-IV mental disorders (mood disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and other axis I disorders) at the time of death or interview were assessed using the Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Sociodemographic variables, social support, and life events were also assessed. The prevalence of current mental illness was 48.0% for suicide victims and 3.8% for comparison subjects. Among suicide victims, mental illness was more prevalent in males than in females (55.1% compared with 39.3%). A strong association between mental illness and suicide was observed after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. Other risk factors included having a lower education level, not being currently married, having a lower level of social support, and having a history of recent and long-term life events. Additive interactions were observed between mental illness and lower level of social support. Although mental illness is a strong risk factor for suicide, it is less prevalent among rural Chinese young people who committed suicide, particularly females, in comparison with other populations in China and in the West.

Money, money, money – how do attitudes toward money impact vanity and materialism? – the case of young Chinese consumers

PurposeChina is undergoing a radical change as the forces of industrialization and modernization transform its society. Money is taking on an increasingly important role, particularly among young Chinese, as the Western ideals of individualism and hedonism thrive. The goal of this research is to understand attitudes towards money in China and how these attitudes affect elements of consumer behavior such as materialism and vanity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a well‐accepted scale (with several dimensions) to explore attitudes towards money. Research questions examine how the dimensions of attitudes towards money affect materialism and achievement vanity. The sample comprises 127 young Chinese consumers. Statistical results based on confirmatory factor analysis as well as path analysis are reported.FindingsThe findings clearly show that attitudes towards money in China are not monolithic; instead there are variations among young Chinese. Materialism is affected by the power‐prestige and anxiety dimensions, but unaffected by the distrust dimension of money attitudes. Achievement vanity is affected by the power‐prestige dimension of money attitudes.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could examine other developing countries and other generational consumer segments. Another future research topic is to develop a comprehensive model of money attitudes, materialism, vanity, compulsive buying, and their possible antecedents or moderators.Practical implicationsThese findings offer insight into the mindset of young Chinese. Beliefs that money permits one to attain not only status and possessions, but also power and control over others are contributing to increased materialism and expressions of vanity among young Chinese. For marketers, the results imply that positioning products based on the possession of money and the use of this money to indulge hedonism may resonate well with young Chinese consumers. However, some of the relationships we found may cause concern to ethicists and consumer watchdogs because of the associated problems of compulsive buying and other problems which are prevalent in consumer societies.Originality/valueSo far, no study has examined whether money attitudes drive materialism and achievement vanity, especially among younger consumers in developing countries such as China.

Decision-Making Styles of Young Chinese, Motswana and Caucasian Consumers in South Africa: An Exploratory Study

Suid-Afrikaanse bemarkers word toenemend gekonfronteer deur die invloed van globalisering op die markomgewing. Nie net moet hulle rekening hou met die aankoopbesluitnemingspatrone van Suid-Afrikaanse verbruikers en verbruikers in buitelandse markte nie, maar toenemend ook met die van buitelandse verbruikers wat hulle tydelik in Suid-Afrika vestig. Studente verteenwoordig ‘n belangrike groep sodanige verbruikers.

Attitudes and Intention Toward Old Age Home Placement: A Study of Young Adult, Middle-Aged, and Older Chinese

This study explored age-cohort differences on attitudes and intention toward old age home placement among 186 young, 161 middle-aged, and 185 older Chinese in Hong Kong, who voluntarily participated in this questionnaire survey without monetary reward. Compared to young adults and middle-aged Chinese, older Chinese were more likely to view old age homes positively, to adhere to traditional filial obligations, and to endorse beliefs about individual independence. Middle-aged Chinese reported greater intention, as compared to young adult Chinese, to refer older people to old age homes. Favorable attitudes toward old age homes were the most significant predictor of acceptance of old age home placement in each cohort. Among young Chinese adults, beliefs about independence and positive attitudes toward older people also significantly accounted for intention to refer older family members to old age home care. The findings suggest that old age home placement is not associated with unfilial thinking in contemporary Chinese society. Limitation and implications of the study were also discussed.

UP-2.164: Prognosis Is Poor for Young Chinese (50 Years or Younger) with Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

UP-2.164: Prognosis Is Poor for Young Chinese (50 Years or Younger) with Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

Acoustic features and inteilligibility of American‐English vowels for English, Chinese, and Korean talkers.

Sixteen American‐English vowels including 12 monothongs and 4 diphthongs were recorded in a phonetic context of /hVd/ from young English (E), Chinese (C), and Korean (K) talkers. The Chinese and Korean talkers were bilingual and had stayed in United States up to 6 years. Two sets of experiments will be discussed: acoustic analysis and intelligibility of English vowels produced by the three groups of talkers. Results of acoustic analysis showed that there was no significant difference in F1×F2 vowel space among the three groups of talkers. In addition, the three groups of talkers showed great similarity in F2/F1 ratio across the 12 monothongs. Vowel durations had significantly greater variability across vowel categories for the Chinese and Korean talkers than for the English talkers, indicating that, besides producing spectral differences among vowels, Chinese and Korean talkers also attempted to generate durational difference among vowels to make each vowel distinguishable from others. More acoustic features such as spectral tilt and formant transition in the diphthongs and the effects of acoustic features on vowel perception by native English listeners will be discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the vowel intelligibility and the second language experience of non‐native talkers will be examined.

Citizen Trust in Police

This study assesses the extent to which Chinese citizens trust their police and explores factors that account for variation in public trust in police. Very few studies have empir ically examined Chinese attitudes toward police. Using conflict theory as the guiding theo retical framework and interview data collected from eight Chinese cities, the study tests the effects of conflict variables, including gender, age, education, income, employment, and perceived political influence, and relevant control variables on Chinese public trust in police. The results show that conflict variables only have a modest explanatory power o Chinese attitudes toward police. Younger Chinese and Chinese with lower levels of per ceived political power tend to have lower levels of trust in police. Chinese attitudes toward police are also influenced by satisfaction with public safety, governmental capability of dealing with crime, quality of life, and corruption among government officials Implications for future research are discussed.

The impact of consumer ethnocentrism and country of origin sub‐components for high involvement products on young Chinese consumers’ product assessments

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of country of origin (COO) sub‐components (i.e. design, assembly and parts), as well as the extent to which consumer ethnocentrism tendencies interact with these COO sub‐components for young Chinese consumers with regards to product quality assessments and purchase intentions.Design/methodology/approachA 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used to examine the effects of the three sub‐components of COO with two levels of sourcing location – Home (China) and Foreign (Germany), for two high involvement products (an automobile and a digital camera). Chinese students in China represented the sample of 272 respondents. MANOVA was used to examine the direct effects and interactions of the three COO components, as well as ethnocentrism, measured using the CETSCALE.FindingsIt was found that the three COO sub‐components did not influence young Chinese consumers’ evaluation of product quality or purchase intentions. In addition, consumers’ level of ethnocentrism also did not have a direct effect on perceived product quality or purchase intentions. There was only one statistically significant interaction effect between ethnocentrism and country of parts for one of the two products. As such, COO dimensions and young Chinese consumers’ ethnocentrism appears to have limited influence on their assessments of product quality or purchase intentions. This may occur because young Chinese consumers perceive that hybrid products are the norm for high involvement products in China as these products are all these consumers have experienced.Originality/valueThe findings of this research dispute the commonly held belief and evidence that sub‐components of COO have an impact on the perceptions of product quality and purchase intentions. Young Chinese consumers may be different to consumers from western countries because they have been extensively exposed to hybrid products. Given the size and growth potential of China, young Chinese are an important, under‐researched segment within the Chinese market.