Values in parent–child relationship: Continuity and change across three generations

Van Hai Mai; Quynh Chau Vu; Thi Thu Hien Le

doi:10.18778/1427-969X.24.01

Authors

Van Hai Mai Institute of Psychology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2579-9034
Quynh Chau Vu Institute of Psychology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
Thi Thu Hien Le Institute of Psychology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1427-969X.24.01

Keywords:

parent-child relationships, family values, intergenerational differences, differences in the conception of related values

Abstract

This study examines the continuity and variability of family axiology around parent–child relationships across three generations in Vietnamese family settings. We designed a questionnaire to assess identification with traditional family values and learn how these values are interpreted. To this end, we surveyed 260 people from three age groups. The results show that the elderly are more inclined towards traditional family values. The middle-aged group tends to emphasise the responsibility of caring for the family. In contrast, the youngest group had the least rigid understanding of the parent–child relationship. The youth approved of a child’s independence from parents, reluctance to have many children, and not holding the birth of a son as critical. The results illustrated both continuity and variability of the family values held by the three generations. Many of the findings apply not only to Vietnam but also to a number of other countries.

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