From One-Child Policy to Two-Child Policy: Weibo Responds


The expected changes in China’s one-child policy have created a buzz on social media and society at large. Although many netizens applaud the news that Chinese parents can soon have two children, some are more pessimistic. “The two-child policy comes too late,” some experts say. According to China Business News (第一财经日报), China is considering changing its one-child policy (独生子女政策) to a ‘two-child policy’ (二孩政策). It … Continue reading From One-Child Policy to Two-Child Policy: Weibo Responds

“Divorced Yet?” – Why China Has a Soaring Divorce Rate


The divorce rate in China increased to 3.9 percent over the last year, with 3.63 million couples bringing their marriage to an end, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The rate has been rising for twelve consecutive years since 2003. “Have you divorced today?” (今天你离了吗) has recently become a common joke between Chinese people. While some blame China’s social … Continue reading “Divorced Yet?” – Why China Has a Soaring Divorce Rate

Should China’s Singles Pay Their Parents?


Giving money to the parents is a common practice in China, especially for singles who still live at home, as a way for children to ‘give back’ for their parents raising them. But as times are changing, not all children are willing to share their finances with their parents anymore. A popular Dragon TV interview program, “Meeting Room of Two Generations” (两代会议厅), recently talked about … Continue reading Should China’s Singles Pay Their Parents?

Grandparenting, not Parenting


One of my oldest friends Judy just delivered a baby boy a couple of months ago. As a Shanghainese woman, she followed her life path arranged by her parents: no boy in high school, went to college, found a boyfriend after graduation, got married after dating for two years and then had a son when she reached 26 years old. Everything seems perfect. But when … Continue reading Grandparenting, not Parenting

Gifting Headaches on Teachers’ Day


September 10th is Teacher’s Day in China. Some people believe that giving gifts on Teachers’ Day is a way of establishing interpersonal connections between parents and teachers. Most parents, even those with low salary are compelled to do so for fear that their children may not get enough attention in class, or to encourage extra care for their children. This year’s Teachers’ Day fell on … Continue reading Gifting Headaches on Teachers’ Day