Division of labor in parenting amongst Chinese parents in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study reported an investigation into the family division of labor among Chinese parents in Hong Kong and its association with gender, educational level, occupational status and family income. It drew on a culturally sensitive scale developed for the people under studied. A total of 5,707 questionnaires were included in the analysis, and respondents showed a diversity of demographic characteristics. Analyses of the profiles of responses showed a persistence in gendered share of childcare responsibilities with mothers playing the main role in childcare and fathers playing an assisting role, although a more equalitarian gender attitude was noticed. Regarding other socio-demographic correlates, it was found that parents' educational level, intensity of market work, and family income in general were negatively correlated to the participation in childcare duties, a possible explanation of which was time availability. Endorsement of traditional gender stereotype was also related to the background socio-demographic factors.