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Strengthening Hong Kong’s Families : Embracing a Holistic Family Approach in Formulating Social Policy and Providing Social Services. Central Policy Unit Hong Kong SAR Government 3 December 2008. Trends in Family Attitudes and Values – Implications for Policy Making.
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Strengthening Hong Kong’s Families : Embracing a Holistic Family Approach in Formulating Social Policy and Providing Social Services Central Policy Unit Hong Kong SAR Government 3 December 2008
Trends in Family Attitudes and Values – Implications for Policy Making Prof. Nelson Chow / Dr. Terry Lum / Dr. Elsie Yan Department of Social Work and Social Administration The University of Hong Kong
Study on Trends in Family Attitudes and Values • A survey of 1,014 HK residents conducted in March 2008 • 5 fours groups of helping professionals conducted in Shamshuipo, Shaukeiwan and Tin Shui Wai
Attitude towards Ideal Family • An ideal family can do without children • But it is better to have children • A 3-generation extended family is not necessarily ideal • A single-parent family can be ideal • Young people/higher income groups tend to be more liberal in attitude
Changes in Marriage 1981 - 2006 Median Age at First Marriage
Changes in Marriage 1981-2006 • Number steadily decreased from 50,756 in 1981 to 32,825 in 2001 and came back to 50,328 in 2006 • First marriage of both parties decreased from 41,190 in 1981 to 33,352 in 2006 • Remarriage of either party increased, especially since 2001 • One party from Mainland now consists more than 40% • Divorce decrees increased from 2,060 on 1981 to 17,424 in 2006
Attitude towards Marriage • Marriage and child bearing are still preferred • Still want to have a life-long partner and happy marriage • Negative towards unmarried persons • Middle age and older persons reported higher acceptance of divorce • More agreed divorce affects woman more than man • Female were more likely to accept divorce as a solution to irresolvable martial problems • People with more education were less likely to accept divorce • More were willing to marry a divorced person, even with children
Attitude towards Cohabitation • A general acceptance of cohabitation, especially with a plan to marry • Long-tem cohabitation is accepted • Young persons were more likely to accept cohabitation • Higher income and higher education are associated with higher acceptance
Attitude towards Pre-marital Sex • General acceptance of pre-marital sex, especially with a plan to marriage or with a stable relationship • Younger and middle age, higher income and higher education were more likely to accept pre-marital sex • Same-sex sexual relationship is not accepted by most
Attitude towards Extramarital Relationship • Large majority did not accept extramarital relationship, even with no sex • No age and socio-economic status difference in attitude • More male than female accepted
Reasons for not Having Children • Long working hours • Harsh environment for family and children • Hong Kong is not a family and children friendly city • Lack of financial means
Attitude towards Filial Piety • Majority agreed that family disgrace should be kept within the family • Still wanted to work hard to bring honor to the family and consult parents in major decisions • Less wanted to seek elders’ help to resolve family conflict • Not important to have children to continue family name
Implications for policy making on Strengthening Hong Kong’s Families • The need for research on family values and attitudes • Respect for traditional values as well as the views of the minority • Public platform for dialogues to make Hong Kong a family friendly city • Building consensus around family friendly public policies and practices • “Happy Learning Initiatives” for primary and school age children
