The nation's younger generation is rapidly losing traditional family values and replacing it with independent, carefree lifestyles that delays parenthood.

Some 60 percent of urban residents in the northern city of Tianjin look favorably on "dink" -- double income, no kids -- couples, according to a recent survey by the city's women's federation.

This is contrary to the typical Chinese belief that newlyweds need to have a child as soon as possible and carry on the family name, as well as have someone to care for them after retirement.

About 64 percent of the respondents said it was "understandable" and "acceptable" not to have a child, though most were not dinks themselves.

The respondents were all above 18 years old and were randomly selected from 600 urban families in Tianjin.

Other reports indicate dink families constitute 12.4 percent of families in Shanghai and 10 percent in the nation's capital Beijing.

Sociologists say the trend mirrors changes in the Chinese values system.

Usually, the most frequently-heard blessing to a newlywed couple is "may you have a child soon," and the child-bearing ability is essential to be considered a good wife.

With the country's modernization drive, however, more couples now place a higher value on career development and the quality of life. A son or daughter would be an intruder in their carefree lifestyle. They may also have to make compromises at work, said some couples surveyed.

Most correspondents expressed confidence that the state's social security system would ensure well-being during retirement. "Gone are the days when you had to rely on your own kids for financial support," said a respondent who has chosen not to have a child.

"Behind the growing number of dinks are an increasing number of lifestyle options for most Chinese people," said Li Yinhe, who began her research on dinks more than 10 years ago.

"They are mostly hedonists who value individuality and the quality of married life more than parenthood," said Li in one of her works.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2004)