I chose to write about family life in modern day China because it is radically different than the United States, and I don't know much about it, so I became curious.

Introduction:

There are many cultural differences between the United States of America and China, but the main difference that tends to get the most attention is the Chinese one-child policy.  There are many valid reasons as to why couples are only allowed to produce one child, overpopulation being the biggest one.  There are also issues that result from the policy, such as an uneven male to female ratio.  I am going to explore Chinese family values and structures, as well as go into more detail about the reasons, issues, and benefits of the one-child policy.

Outline:

• Introduction
• First paragraph 
• start with with early/middle 1900's Chinese family structure
• Second paragraph
• Go through the historical events that occurred which eventually changed the makeup of families
• Third paragraph
• Talk about modern day family structure and family values
• Fourth paragraph
• State the one-child policy and the laws pertaining to it
• Fifth paragraph
• Talk about the benefits of this policy and how it affects Chinese culture
• Sixth paragraph
• Compare how Chinese culture had potentially changed since the family structure had changed
• Seventh paragraph
• State issues that occurred or will possibly occur (backed up with studies) due to the policy
• Eighth paragraph
• State how the culture has changed due to these issues
• Ninth paragraph
• See if the Chinese Government has responded to any of these issues and write about things being done 
• Tenth paragraph
• Start to wrap it up and bring numbers and facts together
• Conclusion
• Bring everything together with a few closing sentences

Sources:

"Family Life in Modern China." Family Life in Modern China. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

"Education in China." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 25 Nov. 2013

"Chinese Family Concept." Traditional Lifestyle. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Second Interview

Interview Preparations

I approached Mengzhen Shi after class and asked for her email  so we could set up a time for the interview. We agreed to meet at the library on Friday at 4:00 P.M.

Interview Description

The interview went well, it was a lot more smooth than the first interview, probably because we both knew what to expect and were more prepared in both the questions and the answers.

Interview Transcription

(M=Mengzhen Shi, V=Victoria Peterson)

V: How are you liking the weather in St. Cloud? It's changed a lot in the past few weeks.
M: I don't like it, it is so cold! Winter in my country has snow, but not too much. I never saw snow so much in my country.
V: Hopefully it warms up again soon! What do you like to do for leisure?
M: I like to study English language, read books, and watch movies.
V: Reading books and watching movies are also some of my favorite things to do. Could you please tell me more about yourself?
M: My name is Mengzhen Shi. I came from China, and I graduated from JiNan Senior High School. Now I study at St. Cloud State University, my major is accounting.  But I miss my country, it is very beautiful.
V: How often do you talk with your family and friends back in China?
M: Twice a week.
V: And what is the biggest holiday in China? How do you celebrate it?
M: The Spring Festival. Spring Festival is the most important and popular festival in China. Before the Spring Festival, people will clean and decorate their houses and go to Flower Fairs to buy flowers.  During the Spring Festival, the adults will give lucky money to children. People often get together and have a big meal.
V: What kind of food do you usually eat?
M: We have a lot of dumplings for dinner.
V: Do you find it difficult at all to practice religion in the United States?
M: I do not have a religion, so I am happy in America.
V: Could you tell me some important things from your culture?
M: Chinese food and American food is very different. Food is China is a more harmonious mixture of color, taste, and shape.
V: I really enjoy Asian Cuisine! What do you think the biggest difference between American and Chinese culture is?
M: I have been in America for one year, I think they way they teach is very different. There is more freedom.  In China, student's graduation is more important than the social practice.  Students just learn from the textbook. In America, students get more room to develop.
V: Could you tell me about your goals for the future? Like what you want to do after you graduate?
M: If I have a good G.P.A., I will go to graduate school.  If not, I will go back to China and find a job.
V: Do you have any questions for me?
M: No I do not.
V: Thank you for interviewing with me!
M: Thank you