Multiple Roles and Rights for Men and Women in Chinese Families

Chinese Families
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Personal Reflection on Chinese Families
A family unit is regarded as one of the most central institutions, and it provides many folks with a sense of identity and a strong network. My observations from various Chinese families I know stipulate that they still value and hold a significant position in Chinese culture. Traditional values for Chinese families differentiate multiple roles and rights for both men and women. Despite the continuous changes in modern society, the original values are still portrayed on some levels. The responsibility of men in a traditional Chinese family includes protecting and protecting their family. Also, men are given the decision-making powers regarding their wives and other family members and must support children's education until marriage. In contrast, some modern Chinese families do not rely on their fathers in decision-making regarding the life of adult children. However, the family members still consult the elderly for critical decisions.
On the flip side, the traditional Chinese culture serves women with inferior roles. Observations made on the family following standard Chinese cultural rules depict that women stayed at home looking after children, the homestead, and the entire family. However, not all Chinese families abide by their traditional culture. Women from other families play significant roles in society. Besides their childbearing role, women are seeking careers due to increased opportunities.
Further, traditional Chinese families abide by the patrilineal descent system. The system stipulates that the lineage of children is calculated from their fathers only. According to the system, only men can inherit family membership, land, and other materials. I feel the system is unfair to women for treating them as outcasts in their bloodline. The lineage of children should also be calculated from the mother's side since mothers contribute much and dedicate themselves to childbearing and growth. They should inherit materials from their parents as every child has equal rights.
Another observation made is the relevance of family in Chinese culture. Family is an essential aspect such that it forms the basis of Chinese culture. Multiple Confucian notions are founded on families. For instance, three of the five most crucial relationships are parent and children, husband and wife, and elderly and younger siblings (Lau, Mullins, Susumu, & Swanson, 2021). China's 1981 marriage regulation described specific roles and responsibilities for grandparents, parents, and children. However, regular updates on the law over multiple years have reflected societal variations such as allowing interracial marriages. In essence, family plays an evolving role in Chinese culture, and some young folks are setting agai...