Abstract:This paper attempts to compare the differences of family values between China and America in terms of family structure, interpersonal relationship in the family and the attitude towards the elder. From these phenomena, the author will find differences in the core family values between these two countries. And the author will explore the reasons for the differences from a historical and economic perspective. The purpose of the author is to help people get rid of the obstacles in intercultural communication.

Key words: Family values; Individualism; Collectivism; Confucianism; Christianity

　　　As a fundamental unit of society, the family plays an important role in every culture. But the family values vary from one culture to the other. A 1997 Gallup survey in 16 countries found wide variety in attitude towards the importance of parents being married, the ideal number of children to have, whether a boy or a girl was preferable, and even people’s desire to have children or not. Valuing the family may be universal, but family values are not. The findings strongly suggest that family values vary because of different social, economic, and other factors.

　　　As the biggest socialist country, China has had a great influence on every aspect in the world，and the Chinese people also play an important role in the development of the world. While being the most powerful capitalist country, America influences the whole world, too. The competition and cooperation between these two states influence the economy and culture of the whole world. Meanwhile, the communication between them is a great part in the intercultural communication. So, a good knowledge of the differences of family values will facilitate the intercultural communication.

　　　This paper is to describe the differences of family values between China and America, and to find some reasons for these differences to further understanding of these differences of family values. And the purpose of this study is to get rid of the obstacles in the way of communication between China and America with a deeper understanding.