How to cure 'home phobia'

Passengers stand in queue to wait for taxis at the Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 23, 2015.

An increasing number of Chinese youngsters, especially college students and migrant workers from rural areas, are choosing not to go home for the Spring Festival, because they don't want to face questions about their not-so-perfect careers or marital status. Comments:

For those who fear possible inquiries from their relatives and friends about their financial situation or marriage, it should be stressed that family reunions are a lot more than a sense of proudness facing relatives. But it is also understandable that people value the impressions of those close to them and do not want to be seen unsuccessful. Therefore, social justice is the key to alleviating these concerns.

Zhang Junping, a professor at the Provincial Party School of Gansu province, Feb 23

The "home phobia" exhibited by the younger generation is just an adopted stance, and an excuse made by those who refuse to go home even during the Spring Festival. Given the "pragmatic" spirit of oriental culture that pays more attention to outcomes than processes, the self-deemed "unsuccessful" ones persuade themselves that they will be treated differently at home.

Xia Xueluan, a sociology professor at Peking University, Feb 16

A fact one should bear in mind is that caring parents will never judge their children by their salaries or jobs. Those relatives or friends who inquire are not showing sincere concern, hence their attitudes and opinions are of no importance. There is no need to avoid going home because of these unnecessary fears.

dbw.cn, Feb 6