Education costs a heavy burden for Chinese families
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Children's education, low income and health care are the three biggest worries for Chinese families, according to a report published by China's Women's Federation on May 15, the International Day of Families.
Nearly half the families interviewed said their biggest difficulty in life is paying for their children's education. Two fifths said their low incomes forced them to lead a hand to mouth existence. And a third have family members who are seriously ill and face the burden of medical costs.
When asked what types of help families need, more than half said help with children's education, 40 percent said help finding a job, and a third said provision of community health services.
Talking about problems between husbands and wives, nearly 70 percent of husbands and more than 70 percent of wives said unfaithfulness was the most intolerable fault in a partner. More than 60 percent of couples are satisfied with their marriages. But only 40 percent of couples pool their incomes and manage their finances together.
Supporting the old is seen as a major obligation of Chinese families. Mistreating the old was identified by 97 percent of those interviewed as the most reprehensible behavior. But most people complain their incomes are insufficient to adequately support the old. Many also worry about being able to afford their aging relatives' medical bills. Some younger people also admit they are too busy to take care of their parents. .
