Irene Xu

COHABITATION

Bachelor of Design Editorial Illustration Publication Storytelling

WHY DO CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HIDE COHABITATION FROM THEIR PARENTS?

The aim of my Cohabitation research project has been to explore the reasons why Chinese international students in heteronormative relationships conceal cohabitation from their parents.

This small-scale study realised as a handbook for Chinese families revealed that many students considered concealing their non-marital cohabitation, citing how conservative they believed their parents to be. Some participants also expressed concern about prejudice and racism, fearing that their parents would want to intervene in their relationships. Finally, constrained financial resources when studying in a foreign country often compelled students to live in close quarters and share expenses.