Meaning of parenthood among Chinese parents in Hong Kong: Themes discerned in a quality study

Abstract

Although the importance of culture has been well-recognized in research on culture and parenting, attempts to address the cultural meaning of parenthood or to address the belief systems and meaning-making processes of parenting is meager and is non-existent in Hong Kong. This presentation draws on findings from a qualitative study to examine the cultural themes that account for Chinese parents’ construction on meaning of parenthood. Employing qualitative study method of narrative inquiry, 120 in-depth interviews with 60 parents had been conducted. Each of the parent was interviewed individually for twice and there were 30 mothers and 30 fathers involved. Narrative accounts of parents reveal generational shifts in meaning of parenthood, parental responsibility and identify as a parent. The findings provide indigenous understanding on meaning of parenthood and parenting practice in the Hong Kong Chinese cultural context. Based on the findings, the presentation discusses implications for parenting work and proposes directions for child and parenting services.