Traditional Chinese Family

Who makes up this family?

China became a Communist country in 1949. I was a small girl then. Since the Communist revolution, the power of the family has been somewhat weakened.

When the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, the Communists sought to strengthen citizens’ loyalty.

Community organizations were created to carry out responsibilities that were once performed by the family. For example, community schools educated children.

The government tried to encourage families to have simpler marriage ceremonies instead of elaborate traditional ones. The government also recommends cremation rather than expensive funeral rites.

The government assigned jobs to citizens. Sometimes it separated families by assigning husbands and wives to regions that were far apart.

Efforts to weaken the family have been somewhat successful in Chinese cities.

What modern things do you see in this picture? Clothing? Shoes?

What traditional things do you see in this picture? The building in the background? The kite?

When did China become a Communist country?

1949

How did the Communists strengthen citizens’ loyalty to the government? Give one example.

by weakening traditional family bonds, for example, community schools educated children

Where in China have traditional family practices and beliefs remained almost unchanged?

rural areas, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

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