Family and parenting in a polarizing world

Abstract

The manifestations of polarization in contemporary family is an issue of concern. Presently, family and parenting has been characterized as fraught with problems: separation, divorce, remarriage, problems in family relation, family in poverty, addicted parents, anxious parents, irresponsible or overprotective parenting, all are terms used that sounding alarms over contemporary family. However, there is little study attempts to understand how contemporary family and parenting has been characterized as such. This presentation shares my research journey on family and review on how family in Hong Kong has changed over the last half century.Drawing on findings from a study titled “Raising children in Hong Kong: A mixed methods study of generational shifts in parental beliefs and practices”, the paper discusses meaning of parenthood and looks into the contextual factors configured to shape parenting in the Hong Kong Chinese context. Based on the findings, the presentation discusses implications and directions for service on family and parenting work.