Abstract：Studies of family policy are laden with debates, as there are two sets of definitions: one refers narrowly to government policy and another is a perspective of family friendly policy. Debates surrounding the definitions of family policy and hot issues involved therein are closely related to the value standpoints and ideological grounds behind them, all which are possibly characterized on the basis of three dimensions. On the basis of relationships between the state and the family, there are two separate tendencies between the public and the private divide. On the relationships between the state and the individual, the debates revolve around the question of whether there should be more freedom or more welfare. On the relationships between the family and the individual, the dividing line is drawn between familism focusing on family values, on one hand, and on the other, individualism and with a stretch of imagination, feminism. Family policy in China does not fit in any of the western classic models because its existence displays the shortcomings of stat-dominated management styles. A way forward for China is the establishment of a mechanism to engage public negotiation on the questions of family policy and diversity.
2015, Vol. 0 
