Gendered expectation towards sons and daughters in Chinese parents in Hong Kong

Abstract

Based on the responses of 5,707 parents, this pioneer study examined Chinese parents' expectations about sons and daughters using the 12-item Chinese Parental Gendered Expectations for Sons and Daughters Scale (PGE). Results showed that the PGE was internally consistent. An examination of the profiles of responses to the items of the scale showed several observations: a) a significant proportion of parents held traditional expectations about sons and daughters; b) differentiation of expected parental roles in taking care of sons and daughters still persisted; c) traditional gendered expectations about sons and daughters were gradually changing. Results also showed that fathers and mothers did not significantly differ from each other regarding their gendered expectations about sons and daughters. However, lower educational level, occupational status in terms of engagement in non-full-time work, and low family income were associated with parents' higher endorsement of traditional gendered expectations about sons and daughters.