Many people in cities live alone or in small family units instead of with extended family. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In my view, the trend of urban residents living alone or in small nuclear families rather than with extended relatives is largely a positive development, despite minor drawbacks.
This shift first brings greater personal autonomy and reduced intergenerational conflict. In fast-paced city life, people often have vastly different lifestyles, career schedules and values from their older extended family members: for example, young professionals may work late shifts or pursue unconventional careers, choices that often clash with traditional expectations of older relatives living under the same roof. Living in smaller units lets individuals arrange their space and routines freely, without compromising to accommodate extended family members’ habits, which reduces unnecessary domestic friction. Statistics from a 2023 Chinese urban lifestyle survey show that 68% of young adults in first-tier cities who live independently report higher life satisfaction than those cohabiting with grandparents or other extended relatives.
Secondly, this trend reflects improved social welfare and individual financial independence that removes the need for intergenerational cohabitation for economic survival. In the past, extended families lived together to share living costs, childcare and elder care duties; today, professional childcare services, public pension systems and accessible urban housing allow people to support smaller households without relying on extended family support, which marks social progress.
Admittedly, this trend may weaken family bonds to a small extent, as people have less daily interaction with extended relatives. However, regular visits and digital communication can easily offset this issue, while the benefits of personal freedom and reduced family conflict far outweigh this minor downside.