Intergenerational Transmission of Confucian Values: A Study on Family Hierarchy and Decision-Making in Shandong, China

Abstract

Confucian values, deeply embedded in Chinese culture, continue to shape family dynamics, particularly in regions like Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius. This study examines how Confucian principles—filial piety (Xiao), humaneness (Ren), and ritual propriety (Li)—are transmitted across generations and influence family hierarchy and decision-making. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 400 parents and adolescents in Qufu, Shandong, assessing adherence to Confucian values, parenting styles, and family decision-making processes. Results indicate that Confucian values strongly correlate with hierarchical family structures and collective decision-making, though modernization introduces variations in younger generations. The study highlights the enduring yet evolving role of Confucianism in contemporary Chinese families, offering insights for cultural psychology and family studies.