What are Chinese People’s Views on Siblings Based on China’s One-child Family Planning Policy?

Abstract

Abstract. This paper explores the effect of the one-child policy on Chinese young people and children from young people and children's own perspectives and experiences. Using the research questions and participants' responses, the author has divided this paper into four further sections. Firstly, it addresses how young people and children define sibling relationships. Then, it reviews young people and children's opinions on being an only child. Thirdly，it explores the importance of sibling relationships. Fourthly, it focuses on the effect on the participants of the one-child family planning policy. Finally the author will explain the overall conclusions. Definition of Sibling Relationships What is the Sibling Relationship and What is It for?Young people with siblings both in Group A and Group D defined siblings as a very important relationship, claiming that siblings supported each other both in practice and spirit. Moreover, sibling relationships were believed by many of the participants to be closer and more stable compared with ordinary friendships as they were also connected by blood.Smile: Siblings are not only your relatives but also your friends. It is a very close relationship. They will take care of each other selflessly. My sisters help me when I cannot solve a problem. For example, I asked my sisters for help when I fought or quarrelled with other children over childish things when I was a child. They still encourage me and give me a hand when I meet with difficulties. (Group A) Yi: It is a relationship which is based on genetic connection but also goes beyond it and is more like a kind of friendship. Your siblings may be your best friends. They are there to help. For example, when I had some trouble with other children when I was young, I would tell my sister, because she is seven years older than me, and she would talk with the child who was giving me trouble. (Group A) Zhen: Siblings are not only your family, but also your friends. It is a life long relationship, and more stable than many friendships. (Group D) Min: Siblings always help each other. I remember that once I was on my way home from school when I was young, and I saw a bigger child bullying my little brother. I pushed him into a paddy-field without thinking. (Group D) There is no doubt that the participants, whether those with 'approved' siblings or those with siblings against China's one-child family planning policy, all acknowledged that sibling relationships are very important and that siblings stick up to each other (Morrow, 1998;Edwards et al., 2005). Moreover, in my study, participants emphasized that siblings are often also best friends, and since they have a close blood relationship, they feel the relationship is more stable, more loyal and closer compared with ordinary friend relationships. What are the Strengths and Drawbacks of Being in Sibling Relationships?When questioned about the strengths and drawbacks of being in sibling relationships, young people with siblings both in Group A and Group D believed that siblings are...