Comparing Family Systems in Europe and Asia: Are There Different Sets of Rules?

It is argued that a comparison between household formation in Europe or regions in Europe and in Asia emphasizes differences in internal family structure household fission and responsibility for the aged. It is asserted that the data do not justify the sharp dichotomy between joint households of the East and single-couple arrangements of the West. It is questioned whether the differences slowed or advanced development of capitalism industrialization or modernization. Reference is made to Goodys argument that family formation differences affect the shape of development. The author queries whether there has been too much emphasis on the historical demography of Europe and its demographic and economic presuppositions. Hajnals description of household formation systems is discussed at some length. The focus of comparisons between East and West shifted from household family size to Hajnals distinctions. The Northwest European system was based on later marriage for men and women with the husband as head the presence of servants and separation from parents at marriage. These factors are linked with fertility control. The joint household is characterized as couples living with parents. The distinctions between Hajnals families break down in practice. Examples are given of food supplies and cooking tasks labor and care of the elderly. The question is raised about the usefulness of distinguishing between joint and stem families and the set of rules governing practices. The problems are attributed to aggregation that neglects class or caste overgeneralization that overlooks internal differences and misspecified time periods. Also it is pointed out that the charitable efforts to care for the poor were present in all periods throughout the world regardless of family formation systems. The disputed assumption is that Western Europe had some specific key to population control that others lacked. For example Cain and McNicoll refer to Hajnals Northwest European household as nuclear and ascribe other family formation as inhibiting development. It is proposed that a better framework would be to generate a set of rules that are variable useful in describing all societies and facilitate a wider understanding.