Work or Family? The Multiple Choices, Conflicts and Balances in Contemporary Chinese Women’s Social Roles

Abstract

With economic development and the transformation of social structures, the social roles of contemporary Chinese women have undergone a significant shift. This study focuses on the complex social roles of modern Chinese women, particularly in the contexts of choice, conflict, and the integration of work and family duties. In order to fully explore the multiple choices, conflicts, and balancing of social roles among contemporary Chinese women, this study conducted qualitative research by using literature review methods as well as semi-structured interviews with 40 adult women from Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The findings reveal that contemporary Chinese women have three predominant types of social roles: career woman, full-time housewife, and a combination of both. The study identifies conflict over time, responsibilities, and the worth of those responsibilities in shifting roles, shaped by the changes brought by the era of economic growth, policies, and social attitudes. Regarding the difficult balancing and choice women face between work and family responsibilities, various stakeholders can take measures to provide support. For instance, governments may introduce childcare subsidies and anti-discrimination legislation, businesses may establish female-friendly workplace policies, family members may help share the burden, and individual women may enhance their capacity for self-adaptation.