Changing family sizes, structures and functions in Asia

Abstract

Throughout Asia, family change is occurring, although trends vary significantly between subregions and countries. In most cases common elements are rising levels of female education and labour force participation, reductions in gender-based divisions of labour, fertility decline (partly due to postponement of marriage) and increasing rates of divorce. Families are generally growing smaller. The average age at marriage is rising for both males and females throughout Asia, although from a base that varies greatly. Ageing of populations is a nearly universal trend and, although the proportions of older persons living with a child or grandchild are much higher than in the West, they are tending to decline. The relative roles of family, community and State in supporting the older persons is one of the key issues for the future.