A Study Of Two Generations’ Value Differences In Xi’an In A Globalizing Context

From the eighties of the last century on, at least three decades have passed since Hofstede initiated the cultural dimension theory. With the trend of globalization, people’s ideologies are challenged in this context.This research which adopted I-C dimension, power distance and life course theory aims to investigate the traditional and family value differences between the group of post 90 s and post 60 s in Xi’an with the modified version of Professor Ryozo Yoshino’s questionnaire as the basis.The study shows: 1. In aspect of the total score, though G1(Group One) has the mean value higher than that of G2(Group Two), yet these differences are not pronounced from statistical level. 2. In terms of the intention of rearing children, G2 tends to be collectivism-oriented. G1 also shows this orientation in taking care of the parents. 3. As to whether or not to have a second child, G1 chooses not to have, which makes a sharp contrast with that of G2. What’s more, the latter still have a gender preference—boys are more welcomed than girls. 4. Compared with post 90 s, the post 60 s will take other in-groups’ feelings into consideration, say, their children, and will not divorce. However, two groups also have something in common: When meeting the objection from parents, members of both groups will not just follow their own choices in finding spouses. 5. Compared with post 60 s, the post 90 s would put individuals’ well-being ahead of nation’s prosperity.Furthermore, this study also proves that there is no significant correlation between higher income and individualistic orientation; however, higher education level has a positive correlation with individualistic orientation.Finally, though there are some limitations in this research, still, the results confirmed Hofstede’s theory that to a large degree China remains a collectivistic country.