NUCLEAR VERSUS QUASI-STEM FAMILIES - THE NEW CHINESE FAMILY MODEL

Recent evolution of the Chinese family as revealed through the returns of the last censuses shows a diminution in size coupled with a stabil ity of the structures, with approximately one-quarter of the populatio n living in the frame of three-generation households. Fluctuations in size have been mainly induced by variations in the age distribution fo llowing the process of the demographic transition. The article discuss es the impact of various demographic parameters and attempts to demons trate that family structures correspond to a life course characterized , first, by the integration of many young couples, even after child-be aring, within the home of the groom's family; and, second, by the nece ssity to care for the elderly. In conclusion, this evolution is evalua ted in the light of the current demographic as well as anthropological literature. Does it correspond to the revival of old customs, especia lly in the countryside, or are we confronted by the emergence of a new model, the so-called ''feed-back'' model?