Chinese Fatherhood, Gender and Family

This book is about how Chinese men make sense of and practise fatherhood within the context of changing gender conventions and socio-cultural conditions. Liong analyses data from participant observations at a men's centre, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, to assess the subjective experience and identities of Chinese fathers in Hong Kong, from a gender perspective.

His findings show that economic provision, education, and marriage are the three 'natural' and 'normal' domains of paternity. Not being able to fulfil these requirements is a threat to fathers' masculinity, yet is also an opportunity for fathers to reflect upon these accepted conventions.  In order to compensate, these men typically develop a closer and more caring relationship with their children, however these fathers still struggle with feelings of inferiority.

'This book is pioneering in its exploration of fatherhood in Hong Kong [...] By examining the subjective experiences of Hong Kong men, the book shows how Chinese fatherhood ideals and practices are embedded in evolving hegemonic social structures. It opens up ways to reformulate notions of parenthood so that traditional practices that are inappropriate to the new millennium could be reduced.'

-Kam Louie, University of Hong Kong and University of New South Wales, Australia

'A compelling account [...] that draws on candid interviews and group discussions to sketch an intimate and sympathetic portrait of men's desires, frustrations, hopes, and regrets as fathers and as husbands, sons, romantic partners, and workers.'

-Jeanne Marecek, Swarthmore College, USA

Mario Liong is Assistant Professor at Centennial College, Hong Kong. He has published in the areas of Chinese fatherhood and masculinities, popular culture, youth sexuality, and ethnography.