Initiating Factors of Chinese Intergenerational Conflict: Young Adults' Written Accounts

Abstract

Abstract:This study examined young adults' written accounts of intergenerational communication in conflict situations in the People's Republic of China. Using a content analysis approach, this study identified five major types of initiating factors that precipitated intergenerational conflict. Old-to-young criticism was most frequent, followed by illegitimate demand and rebuff. The least frequent initiating factors included young-to-old criticism and disagreement/generation gap. In addition, results indicated that more rebuffs were from nonfamily elders than from family elders, whereas disagreement with family elders was more frequent than with non-family elders. Proportionally speaking, no differences emerged between family and non-family elders for criticism (both old-to-young and young-to-old) and illegitimate demand. Results are discussed with respect to research in intergenerational communication, interpersonal conflict, and the Chinese socio-cultural norm of hierarchy and filial piety.

Conflict-Initiating Factors in Intergenerational Relationships

“…Although conflict may arise over a variety of issues and problems (e.g., habits, personality, worldviews, and political beliefs), verbal or behavioral expressions of incompatible interests-often referred to as initiating factors-must occur for the perceived differences to become open conflict (Zhang, 2004). A conflict-initiating factor is thus defined as one party's interference with the activity of another that escalates a situation into conflict.…”

Evolving Eldercare in Contemporary China

“…Delaying seeking formal support may contribute to poorer health outcomes for elders, children's lower fi nancial stability, problems in intergenerational relationships, and even increasing intergenerational confl icts (Zhang et al 2005 ;Zhang 2004 ).…”

Does Coresidence Improve an Elderly Parent’s Health?

“…Johar and Maruyama (2011) (Lachs and Pillemer, 2004;Newberry, 2010). Using data from numerous countries, the literature has documented increasing evidence of internal disagreements and conflicts in shared households due to the clash of values and declining tolerance by the younger generation (Giles et al, 2003;Zhang, 2004).…”

“…Excessive reliance and caregiving burden on children may reduce elderly parents' incentive to invest in their health to extend their life (Maruyama, 2012). Economic development and population aging may have reduced the supply of family support by adult children relative to its demand, which leads to tension and conflict between generations and weakens the bargaining position of elderly parents (Asis et al, 1995;Hermalin, 2000;Giles et al, 2003;Lachs and Pillemer, 2004;Zhang, 2004;Chan, 2005;Newberry, 2010;Teo, 2010 There are three classes of confounding factors that prevent us from applying a simple regression framework: (1) reverse causality, (2) non-random selection, and (3) heterogeneity in the treatment effect. Reverse causality concerns the possibility that coresidence occurs in response to the deterioration of parental health.…”