The change of family size and structure in China

With the socioeconomic development and change of people's values, there is some significant change in family size and structure in China. According to the 10% sample data from the 4th Census, 1 family has 3.97 persons on an average, less than the 3rd Census by 0.44 persons; among all types of families, 1-generation families account for 13.5%, 3 generation families for 18.5%, and 2-generation families account for 68%. Instead of large families consisting of several generations and many members, small families has now become a principal family type in China. According to the analysis of the sample data from the 4th Census, the family size is mainly decided by the fertility level in particular regions, and it also depends on the economic development. So family size is usually smaller in more developed regions, such as in Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Liaoning as well as in Shanghai of which family size is only 3.08 persons; and family size is generally larger in less developed regions such as in Qinghai, Guangxi, Gansu, Xinjiang, and in Tibet of which family size is as large as 5.13 persons. Specialists regard the increase of the number of families as 1 of the major consequences of the economic development, change of living style, and improvement of living standard, Young people now are more inclined to live separately from their parents. However, the increase of the number of families will undoubtedly place more pressure on housing and require more furniture and other durable consumer goods from the market. Therefore, the government and other social sectors related should make corresponding plans and policies to cope with the increase of families and minifying of family size so as to promote family planning and socioeconomic development, and to create better social circumstances for small families.