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When times get tough, families get close

By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-09 08:20

The fallout of the global financial crisis is not all bad, a survey has revealed.

The biggest economic slowdown in decades is improving family ties and making people more responsible at work.

The findings seem to be in contrast with the traditional perception that the worries and fears created by the reduction of incomes and loss of jobs put a heavy strain on family relationships.

According to the survey by Horizon Research on the impact of the financial crisis on young urban Chinese, 83.3 percent said spousal relations have not been affected, 13.2 percent said they have better relationships and only 2.9 percent said their relationships have turned worse.

"The fact that couples are having better relationships is a direct consequence of having more opportunities to spend increased time with families," Victor Yuan, president of Horizon Research Group, said in Beijing.

Nearly 30 percent said they have cut back on eating out, and as a result, 31.7 percent spend more time on dinners at home, 21.5 percent going on walks and 17.2 percent on talking to each other.

"When the economy is booming, many people consider home to be a hotel or a place to rest," Yuan said.

"But during a slowdown, more people return to family ... the biggest gainer is family relationships."

The survey last month in 10 cities polled 3,295 people between 24 and 45 with a monthly income of more than 1,800 yuan ($263).

It was conducted because of widespread concerns about the impact of the financial crisis, with the focus on how it affects people's lifestyles, Yuan said.

Other changes the financial crisis has brought:

Snacks have been found to be a favorite way of easing pressure. Despite a visible slump in other sectors of consumption, 56 percent did not cut down on snacks while 13 percent spend more.

About 37 percent are taking more public transport, 27 percent have reduced taxi rides, 17 percent are walking more, 11 percent are using bikes for short distances and 6.4 percent have reduced car use.

About 34 percent think the crisis increased work pressure, with the stress felt more by those between 24 and 30 than those between 31 and 45.

People are more diligent at work such as not leaving early and less inclined to waste time, while more are working overtime and reducing holidays.

About 40 percent will stay in their present jobs, 22 percent will study while working, 21 percent plan to start their own business and 11 percent want to change jobs.

About 33 percent have had pay cuts this year. Of them, 27 percent are satisfied with the present salary level, 44 percent feel they are lucky to have a job, and 30 percent think the reductions are only temporary and things will improve.