On June 11th, the 2005-2006 survey of national morality was released by the Beijing Daily. The survey showed that three changes have appeared in the ethical construction of Chinese families.

An equal relationship between husband and wife is a fact of family life, and a trend of social development. In addition, perspectives on childbearing have essentially changed.

There are three changes appearing in the ethical structure of Chinese families. First, the ethical structure is moving away from traditional ideas and toward ore modern ones. Equal relations between husband and wife are now real parts of family life, and a newly developed social trend. Families have become more democratic in talking things over together. Perspectives on childbearing have also essentially changed. Second, relationships are changing from those of reliance to independence. Remarriage at an older age is widely accepted by the community, and there is a decline in relationships between family members who rely on each other. Third, family ethics are changing from closed to open. Family lifestyles have opened up to society, as families seek out a higher quality of life.

This survey was conducted in order to understand and study social transformation, the impacts of external values, and the present conditions of Chinese families under the influence of negative social phenomena. This survey was adapted from the "2005-2006 survey questionnaire of national morality," edited by the Renmin University of China. There are six dimensions on the questionnaire, including moral socialization, social morality, professional morality, family values, ethical construction and internet ethics. This survey was released in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Harbin, Nanchang, Haikou, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Zhengzhou, Kunming and Dalian. There was a sample size of 6,000, of which 5,951 were valid for research.

By People's Daily Online