The value of children in Asia and the United States: comparative perspectives.

Abstract

This comparative study of the positive values versus costs of childr en as seen by parents was carried out in Japan the Republic of Korea Taiwan the Philippines Thailand and Hawaii (United States). About 360 respondents were selected in each country except for Hawaii; there 557 were chosen to compare Caucasian Japanese and Filipino ethnic groups. A surprising number of cross-cultural similarities were found and both husbands and wives shared a similar orientation. For this reason answers are grouped by socioeconomic level the most significant variable. In the urban middle-class psychological and emotional values are emphasized including happiness for the family a feeling of personal growth and the companionship provided by children. In Korea and Taiwan continuity of family name emerges as the most important social value while respondents in other countries claimed it was natural to have children. Daughters are wanted mainly for companionship to the mother while sons are wanted for continuation of the family name everywhere but in Japan. Reasons for wanting additional children are mainly psychological not economic. Urban lower-class respondents stress psychological benefits but there is increased economic motivation and stronger emphasis on continuance of family name. Rural groups put economic considerations 1st both current economic contributions and security in the parents old age. In Japan Korea and Taiwan pride in childrens accomplishments are also important to rural parents. Financial costs and the emotional strain are important negative values to the middle class in all countries. Lower-class parents are more concerned about financial costs while rural parents are extremely concerned about financial costs and the greater physical labor children entail. Pregerence for sex and desire for a balance of sexes is important to family size decisions. Desire for sons seems strongest in Taiwan and Korea. The Philippines differs substantially from the other countries: perceived economic benefits are higher and spread across all socioeconomic groups there is more emphasis on emotional gratification and costs are seen as lower. Family planning programs should make parents more aware of the costs of raising children and emphasize the positive emotional benefits and the higher quality of children in small families. 17 tables summarize the results.

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