The family is at the center of all that moves Hong Kong. Bringing honor to the family is the most important thing an individual can and must do.
Many families include extended members such as grandfathers and grandmothers. It is expected that grown children will live with their parents until they are married. Although today most households contain only 3.1 members, extended families live close, helping and supporting each other.
Older people are treated with great respect and honor. Their many years come with great wisdom, so the younger treat the older accordingly. Children consider it an honor and duty to care for their aging parents. Nursing homes are a rarity in Hong Kong, because the elderly are cared for by their children at home until they die.
Most families only contain one child. Children are taught honor and respect from a very young age. Education is highly upheld, so free education is provided for children up to 15 years of age. Children are very diligent with their studies because they wish to bring honor to their family.
The pace of life can be very fast and frantic in Hong Kong. Families, though, always make sure that there is time for each other. Sunday is considered a family day, this is a time when extended family will come together and catch up. Chinese restaurants will often be crowded as families gather together to eat lunch.
Many businesses in Hong Kong tend to be run by families. This is because most Hong Kong people tend to be a little wary of strangers. Businesses tend to be past from father to oldest son. This has been the foundationfor many great business empires in Hong Kong.
Though the men seem to be the main bread winners, the women can and do work at least part time. The women are expected to be the mother, wife, and housekeeper mainly. Women tend to spend 4-6 hours a day on housework.
In Hong Kong the family is the center to the culture. The family is a place of great honor and great tradition.