Child-Adult Relations within Families of the First Generation of Only-Children

The first generation of only-children who were born after China’s one-child family planning policy was introduced in late 1970s has now entered parenthood. Stereotyped as the spoiled and selfish children, adult... [ view full abstract ]

The first generation of only-children who were born after China’s one-child family planning policy was introduced in late 1970s has now entered parenthood. Stereotyped as the spoiled and selfish children, adult only-children’s parenting role attracts considerable attention.
This study, based on the idea that childhood is a social construction. I examine child-adult relations within twelve three-generation families in Shanghai. In order to explore the experience during childhood and personal attitudes, members of two generations in each family - grandparents and parents - were interviewed. All questions during the interviews were asked in an open-ended way, and participants’ accounts generated rich information about only-children’s childhood. The assembled data were analyzed thematically. Additionally, the ideas were developed by locating individual experience in historical and social contexts. This study found that both two generation groups of only-children - parents and their children - have experienced improved living standards and also have experienced increased expectations which have brought about higher pressures. Since its inception, the implementation of the one-child policy has run parallel with the market economy reforms, and this has produced a profound impact on children’s everyday lives.
This study has identified a growing trend towards professionalization in childcare. The study has also identified significant changes in the balance of power in the relationships between children and parents, something which has been called a move to ‘democratization’ in the family. In addition, grandparents on either side may be involved in caring for their grandchildren after mothers return to work. It was found that several grandparents took this role in order to repay their own children. This study has raised a number of issues which could lead to further exploration and research.