| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
In particular, we seek to explain whether the differences in the structure of networks or the inherent dissimilarities between a Western and Asian culture can best account for the variation in exchange modalities and various psychosocial outcomes related to well-being.
We compare two national cultures whose pasts contrast sharply with respect to the role and treatment of older adults.1 The population of Taiwan is, of course, primarily Chinese. If one were to choose a culture in which older people in their traditional role enjoyed maximum prestige (or veneration, as some might even argue), it would be hard to find a more convincing example than Chinese culture, despite all its diversity and complexity. There is no obvious example of a Western culture where older adults enjoy such an exalted status, and least of all in the U.S. (Stearns, 1982; Streib, 1987).
Despite this historical contrast, the incredibly rapid transformation of Taiwan has compromised the situation of older people, at least in some respects (H. C. Hsu, Lew-Ting, & Wu, 2001; T.-H. Sun, 1991; Thornton & Lin, 1994). During the first half of the 20th century—more precisely from 1895 until 1945—Taiwan was a colony of Japan, cut off from the chaotic and often tragic changes that were taking place on the mainland. During the 50 years of Japanese rule, relatively modest economic and social changes occurred as a deliberate policy of the colonizer, although an effective colonial administrative structure was established and key elements of an infrastructure (roads, railroads, banking system, etc.) necessary for modern economic development were initiated (T. B. Gold, 1988; Vogel, 1991). As this period ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945 and the return of Taiwan to the mother country, the Taiwanese probably retained more of their traditional Chinese culture compared to any other province of China (Gates & Ahern, 1981). It was very much a family-centered, agrarian, poverty-stricken island (Thornton & Fricke, 1987; Wolf, 1978).
That was all to change quite abruptly. We shall leave out the details of the reestablishment of Chinese rule in Taiwan that in the initial years was agonizing and even bloody for the Taiwanese.