The phrase “eclipse of tradition” refers to how traditional family structures and relations have declined in prominence or been overshadowed by new patterns in contemporary China. However, this doesn’t mean tradition has disappeared entirely—rather, traditional elements are being transformed, reinterpreted, or replaced by new forms. The monograph examines this process as one of five major themes, suggesting that while aspects of traditional family organization may have been eclipsed, family obligations themselves persist in evolved forms. This theme likely explores the tension between continuity and change in Chinese family life as economic reforms, urbanization, and demographic shifts reshape how families function.

The chapter title “Not coming out as affective care” suggests that remaining closeted can be understood as an expression of care for family members rather than simply fear or self-protection. In Chinese families where filial obligations remain strong and family harmony is highly valued, LGBTQ+ individuals may choose not to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to spare parents distress, preserve family reputation, or maintain intergenerational relationships. This reframes non-disclosure not as deception but as a form of emotional labor that prioritizes family members’ wellbeing—what the chapter describes as navigating “the feeling landscape of intergenerational relationships.” It represents a complex negotiation between personal identity and family obligations distinctive to cultures with strong intergenerational bonds.

Traditional Chinese grandparenting typically involved co-residence or close geographic proximity, with grandparents living in multigenerational households or nearby. Grandparenting “across distance” refers to situations where labor migration—both within China (rural-to-urban) and internationally—has physically separated grandparents from grandchildren, yet grandparents continue providing care through various means. The chapter examining “proximate, mobile and digital care” suggests grandparents adapt by offering financial support, temporary co-residence during critical periods, and digital communication. This represents a significant transformation: intergenerational care obligations persist, but their practical implementation has evolved to accommodate geographic separation created by economic opportunities and migration patterns that characterize contemporary China.

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This article is rated Intermediate because while it deals with specialized academic content—sociology, family studies, Chinese society—it presents information accessibly without requiring extensive prior knowledge. The vocabulary includes some technical terms (intergenerational, monograph, neo-familism, bridewealth) but these are generally explained through context or straightforward usage. The structure is clear and hierarchical, moving from broad themes to specific chapter descriptions. An educated general reader interested in sociology or Chinese society can follow the argument without specialized training, though familiarity with academic publication formats (monographs, guest editors, open access) helps. The intermediate rating reflects this balance: substantive scholarly content presented with clarity for readers beyond the immediate discipline.

Xiaoying Qi is Associate Professor in Sociology at Australian Catholic University, while Jack Barbalet is Professorial Fellow in Sociology at the University of Melbourne. Their positions at major Australian universities positions them within the international sociology community while their focus on China suggests specialized expertise in Chinese social structures. Australia’s geographic proximity to China and significant Chinese diaspora community makes Australian universities important centers for Chinese studies. Their selection as guest editors for The Sociological Review’s Monograph series—a prestigious, long-running publication—indicates recognition within the field. Barbalet’s authorship of the introduction’s historical and conceptual framework suggests deep knowledge of Chinese family sociology across both traditional and reform eras, qualifying them to synthesize diverse contributions into a coherent scholarly collection.

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