Traditional echoes, contemporary shifts: Chinese college students' views of the “good mother”

Objective The objective of this research was to investigate contemporary Chinese college students' perceptions the “good mother.” Background Increased lifestyle and self-fulfillment choices have recently become available for college-age students in China. However, there is government, societal, family pressure women be married, ideally by 25 years age, bear children as a patriotic socially stabilizing duty. Method A qualitative study using thematic analysis code data from semistructured interviews with 20 male female students. Results Five attributes good mother were identified: “is guide,” loving,” “communicates her child friend,” not overcontrolling,” “balances paid work time child.” Conclusion This contributes ongoing across cultures societies, which aims understand what young adults believe mother” how may affect their future parenting practices. Within context, include traditional echoes—for example, primary caregiver—mixed ideas—for pursuing right seek personal fulfillment financial autonomy move away top-down authoritarian style parenting. Gendered physical punishment, childrearing anxiety, parental sacrifice identified. Implications Future policymakers should provide greater social workplace options implement support services alleviate anxiety experience dual aspirations succeed mothers. Educating men regarding contribution caregiving fostering harmony also prioritized.