ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the characteristics of the traditional Chinese family and the extent to which these characteristics have been modified as a result of the process of industrialization and urbanization. It provides empirical evidence showing the position of women and the structure of the family in Mainland China today as a result of recent economic changes. The chapter discusses the empirical evidence concerning the impact of these changes on the family in Hong Kong and on women's position. It also examines the influence of the familial ideology on the delivery of social welfare in Hong Kong. The impact of familial ideology in welfare policy has been reflected increasingly and significantly in various areas of social welfare in Hong Kong such as social security, child care services and services for the elderly. Thus, the underpinning familial ideology of government welfare policy reinforces the gendered division of labour in the family.
