Father’s Role in the Contemporary Chinese Family

Abstract

Chapter 5 examined fathers’ and girls’ perspectives of being a father of adolescent girls. Fathers’ own experiences of being fathered contrasted sharply with their own fathering. The desire to change from the old, traditional concept of fatherhood to a new, more emotionally involved one was also stressed as fathers did care about, support and help, and try to communicate with their daughters. However, while some aspects of traditional fathering are declining, the breadwinner role is still central. Many Chinese fathers wish to provide their family with the best they can offer and take a pride in this. From a life course perspective, fathers also confront many challenges. Growing up in a very different historical time from their daughters has created many barriers to communication with them.