Parental gender-specific expectations of their children in Mainland China: An intersectional analysis
Abstract
This study examines the impact of traditional Chinese culture and the diverse social backgrounds of parents on their gender-specific expectations for their children in China, particularly in the post-one-child policy era. This study conducted qualitative interviews with six parents in Beijing, who have both sons and daughters and represent diverse gender and socioeconomic backgrounds. Though the study findings reveal parental ambivalence in raising children according to traditional gender roles, the systematic and pervasive nature of the traditional culture within families continues to prioritize boys, resulting in ongoing disadvantages for daughters. This research emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges that girls encounter within the Chinese family setting. These challenges include systematic sexism and gender stereotypes, inequitable distribution of household responsibilities, the objectification and discrimination of women in traditional marriage and family dynamics, as well as the perpetuation of sexism through classism and class-based oppression.