Revisiting Confucianism as a Conceptual Framework for Asian Family Study

Abstract

Confucianism is the central philosophic background for much of the culture in East Asia (EA), particularly for understanding family and social context. The purpose of this article is to examine more fully Confucianism as a conceptual framework for understanding EA family processes and health practices. Confucianism stresses the traditional boundaries of ethical responsibility and the ideal of good human life as a whole. Embedded within Confucian values are five principal relationships, through which each person defines a sense of identity, duty, and responsibility. Current studies of EA families that consider Confucianism as a theoretical base focus almost exclusively on filial piety and collectivism. Focusing only on these two aspects prevents scholars from exploring more complex interpretations of EA family life. A broader inclusion of multiple concepts from Confucianism can provide guidance in exploring the complex and multidimensional aspects of EA family life and allow for broader articulation of family processes.

Incremental Role of Family Relationships and Hurt Intensity in Forgiveness of Family Offenders: A Study of College Students in Taiwan

“…Therefore, three out of five of these relations occur in the family (Chang & Holt, 1991), confirming a strong representation of the notion that family is the base of society (Park & Chesla, 2007). Chinese cultures advocate that one should strive to expand the prosperity and vitality of one's family to the larger society (Huang & Gove, 2012).…”

“…They are: ruler-subject, father-son or parents-children, husband-wife, elder-younger or between siblings, and between friends (Park & Chesla, 2007). Confucianism endorses closeness between parents and children.…”

“…For example, in Confucianism, there are five cardinal virtues that one has to pursue (Park & Chesla, 2007): benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), rite (li), understanding (zhi), and trust (xin).…”

Exploring Adolescent-parent Relationships in Asian American Immigrant Families: An Ecological Perspective

“…Confucianism, an ethical and philosophical system that is salient in many Asian countries, particularly East Asian countries, emphasizes filial piety, family harmony, unconditional loyalty and devotion to parents and family, commitment to self-sacrifice for family needs, and the patriarchal family order (Bankston & Hidalgo, 2006;Chuang, 2005;Cooper, Baker, Polichar, & Welsh, 1993;Ho, 1986;Park & Chesla, 2007;Sung, 2001;Tung, 2010;Ying & Han, 2007). Among the AA families influenced by Confucian cultural values, parent-child relationship is characterized by clear hierarchical relationships in which parental authority is emphasized while children remain in subordinate position to their parents throughout their life.…”

Taiwanese Chinese Immigrants' Conceptions of Intelligence

“…The virtue ofren is therefore considered the key feature in characterizing an intelligent person in Confucianism. Ren refers to affection and concern for the well-being of others (Park & Chesla, 2007), and its basic principle is to love and respect people:…”