New Law in China Will Make Visiting Your Elders Mandatory
In an attempt to get the younger generation to visit their elder folks
more often, China is currently debating on whether to implement a law
that makes it mandatory to "often visit" or "send respects to" aging
parents.
According to the New York Times, the new law is a response to the findings of a recent local survey, which showed that only 33% visit their parents just once a year, with 12% saying they hadn't seen them "in many years." Overall, only 16% admitted to visiting their folks once a week. Apparently it has to do with workers migrating far from home to find work, and not having enough time or paid vacations to be able to return home to see their parents.
Like many other Asian cultures, Chinese tradition means the younger generation is usually obligated to care for their aging parents. The results of this survey has the nation feeling very much ashamed. The clause in the proposed law would make it illegal to "neglect or cold-shoulder elderly people." Since it's still under debate, we'll have to wait and see if they'll actually make it into law.
According to the New York Times, the new law is a response to the findings of a recent local survey, which showed that only 33% visit their parents just once a year, with 12% saying they hadn't seen them "in many years." Overall, only 16% admitted to visiting their folks once a week. Apparently it has to do with workers migrating far from home to find work, and not having enough time or paid vacations to be able to return home to see their parents.
Like many other Asian cultures, Chinese tradition means the younger generation is usually obligated to care for their aging parents. The results of this survey has the nation feeling very much ashamed. The clause in the proposed law would make it illegal to "neglect or cold-shoulder elderly people." Since it's still under debate, we'll have to wait and see if they'll actually make it into law.
