Abstract:This paper aims to observe the cultural differences between China and western countries by comparing the different attitudes of China and the West towards family behavior norms and put forward some meaningful suggestions on cross-cultural communication, which can not only help avoid some unnecessary embarrassment in daily communication but also help us to get a deeper understanding of western cultures. A nation's attitude towards the family is, in a way, based on the culture and values of the nation. Therefore, to have a better understanding of a nation’s culture, it is a good idea to start from the perspective of how people look at family relationship. This paper discusses the differences between China and the West from behavioral norms between family and individuals behavioral norms among family members and families, and analyzes the reasons for the differences and then discusses the approaches to deal with the differences. 

Keywords: norms; family behavior; cultural differences; China; Western countries

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I. Behavioral Norms between Family and Individuals-3

A. Differences between China and Western Countries-3

B. Causes of Differences-3

C. Approaches to Deal with Differences-4

II. Behavioral Norms among Family Members-5

A. Differences between China and Western Countries-5

B. Causes of Differences-5

C. Approaches to Deal with Differences-6

III. Behavioral Norms among Families-8

A. Differences between China and Western Countries-8

B. Causes of Differences-9

C. Approaches to Deal with Differences-9

Conclusion-11

Works Cited-12

Acknowledgements-13