2020 Volume 39 Pages 43-56
Around the same time as the reforms of social structure and the introduction of a market economy in the planned economy were taking place in China, the one-child policy was implemented. This study focuses on Chinese males born under the economic reforms and one-child policy, who are generally known as the 80s generation. While exploring the current situation regarding adjustments to their work, housework, and childcare, this study also examines the gender attitude of these males, which was reconstructed under socialist modernization. The results show that 80s males have similar struggles to males living under modern capitalism. In particular, while fulfilling their economic role, both of these groups of males feel guilty of insufficient participation in housework and parenting. This study examines this from the perspective of “multiple dimensions of attitudes towards the gendered division of labor” and finds that “norms of balance” may exist in 80s males. These norms may be due to changes in the gender positions of men and women brought about by the one-child policy and changes in social resources resulting from social structural reforms.
