摘要
From the perspective of family life cycle,and drawing on data from national population censuses,and one percent population surveys,as well as other relevant resources,this paper examines the changing trajectory of the Chinese family over the past 70 years,particularly since the reform and opening-up in 1978.It has been found that the changes of family life cycle are embedded in the broad context of socioeconomic transformation and demographic transition.The delayed age at first marriage has postponed the onset of family formation;the substantially reduced number of children has shortened the length of family expansion,but increased the time span of family stability and empty-nest,and the family is becoming old due to low birthrate and longer life expectancy.In other words,the six-stages associated with the traditional family life cycle has been largely reshaped in the past 70 years,which in turn substantially compromised traditional family functions.In the new era,therefore,it is necessary for the government to provide family-friendly policies in childcare and elderly support in order to fill in the gap in family-oriented public services,and to improve the potentials of long-term development of Chinese families.
