Mobile Patriarchy: Changes in the Mobile Rural Family

摘要

“” :    Sustained large‐scale migration has been an important structural force bringing about change in the Chinese peasant family. The de‐localization resulting from population movement has eroded and undermined the patriarchal family system, with its high degree of overlap between kin‐based and place‐based ties. The resultant changes in the family institution, however, represent not just a de‐traditionalization, but also at the same time a process of reconstructing tradition. The continuation and reconstruction of the patriarchal family in the midst of deconstruction is a result of the interplay of institutional constraints, market dominance and the patrilineal and patriarchal system's own need for continued authority. This changing family pattern not only provides a low‐cost basis for the survival and development of migrant workers “working in the city but rooted in the countryside,” but also, through its peculiarly flexible adaptability, serves as a buffer for dealing with contradictions and conflicts arising from changes in rural society and plays a role in relieving social tensions under specific historical conditions.View full textDownload full textKeywordspatriarchal family, de‐traditionalization, reconstruction of tradition, delocalizationRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02529203.2011.548917