Abstract:

The proportion of nuclear families in contemporary China remained at a relatively high level during the 1980s and 1990s, with both urban and rural households exhibiting moderate to high degrees of nuclearization. By 2010, the level of nuclearization in urban areas shifted from moderate-high to moderate-low, while rural areas transitioned from moderate-low to low. By 2020, both urban and rural areas entered a state of low nuclearization. Concurrently, single-generation households began to demonstrate accelerated growth around 2000, and by 2020, the proportion of such households in urban and rural areas exceeded or approached 50%, indicating a trend toward "single-generationization." The proportion of non-family living arrangements in urban areas rose from 8.19% in 1990 to over 30% in 2020, while in rural areas, it increased from 6.71% to 26.28%, establishing such arrangements as a significant form of residence. The rise of single-generation households and the increase in non-family living arrangements, predominantly single-person households, reflect the ongoing trend of household miniaturization in contemporary China. On one hand, this trend satisfies people's pursuit and preference for living arrangements characterized by simpler relationships, fewer conflicts, and greater autonomy. On the other hand, the diversity within single-generation and non-family living groups implies varied demands for social services, warranting attention from the government and society.

Key words: household nuclearization, household single-generationization, non-family living, single-person households, contemporary era