This thesis uses an anthropological approach to examine the current social status
of the young elderly in contemporary urban China and explores the problems these people
are facing. A review of literature sets up complementary theoretical frameworks for the
understanding of the interaction between changing social environment and transitional life
experiences of the young elderly. Discussion of historical circumstances provides the
background for transitions with reference to family structure, intergenerational
relationships and family life in contemporary China. Discussion includes the role and
effect of related state policies since the Communist Party came to power in 1949. Data
were collected from eight case studies through personal interviews with Chinese students
and their elderly parents in the United States. Other data came from several informants
interviewed by the author in China.
Analysis focuses on the changing financial, emotional and physical status of the
elderly within the social, economic and political context of urban China. Results of the
study show that the social status of the elderly has changed in the direction of favoring
younger generations. Elderly people in contemporary urban China are experiencing
extreme challenges and various kinds of insecurities related to role transition. The state
has played a critical role in leading to this situation. / Graduation date: 1996
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/34621 |
| Date | 29 February 1996 |
| Creators | Lin, Pei, 1966- |
| Contributors | Young, John A. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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