In mainland China, the rapid trend of population ageing and its profound impact on the care provision system forms the backdrop for the research questions posed in this study. With the socioeconomic developments in Chinese social settings, the traditional role of families as the primary support system for older individuals has been challenged. Moreover, the developing formal care system, especially for long-term care (LTC), struggles to meet growing care needs. This study primarily focuses on the topics of population ageing and old-age care, integrating other three areas: Work-Family Conflict (WFC), gender, and family studies, to provide a unique research perspective that contributes to understanding the patterns and trends of future old-age care provision in China. It employs a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with 20 single-child individuals in urban areas. It utilizes role theory, incorporating Work-Family Conflict (WFC) and Social Role Theory, offering a theoretical lens informed by gender, culture and role interactions. The study examines young adult children’s expectations towards being family caregivers and also aims to understand how men and women (think about or intend to) manage tensions arising from work-family conflict as parents' care needs start to increase. It explores the differences and similarities in attitudes toward work roles and family caregiver roles, as well as the coping strategies of both genders. Lastly, it aims to identify care provision gaps, thereby exploring the challenges facing both families and the state concerning meeting the demand for future care and offering policy recommendations to address such needs within China.
Who Will Look After Our Older People in China in the Future? Attitudes and expectations of young adults living in urban areas and their policy implications
Li, S. (Author). 2025
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › PhD