An Analysis of the Types and Characteristics of Parent-Child Relationships in Rural Sichuan under the Background of Social Changes

Abstract

This study, with social changes as its macro background, focuses on rural areas in Sichuan Province, exploring the structural impact and adaptive reshaping of large-scale population migration on parent-child relationships. Based on theories of intergenerational solidarity, social exchange, and modernization, the paper builds an analytical framework centered on living patterns and emotional connections, dividing it into skip-generation raising, semi-working and semi-farming, etc. The research finds that social changes has driven profound changes in the power structure, economic support model, and emotional connection mode of parent-child relationships. Intergenerational power has shifted from the traditional "paternal authority" to "economic dominance of the younger generation", the economic model has tended towards "cash dependence" and "utilitarianism", and long-term separation has led to a widespread "emotional deficit". This study aims to enrich the localized theory of rural family sociology in Sichuan Province and provide empirical support for making family-centered policies for rural revitalization and care for left-behind populations.