Working From Home in China: Comparing Patterns for Mothers and Fathers

• In Event: 41021 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Roundtable 9: Global Family Dynamics

Abstract

The adoption of Working from Home (WFH) in China surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government continues to promote it as a means to help parents balance work and family responsibilities in the post-pandemic period. However, little is known about the patterns of Chinese parents working from home. This research explores the sociodemographic determinants of parents who WFH and those who do not, as well as parents’ attitudes toward WFH in the Chinese context, with a focus on identifying gender differences between mothers and fathers. Based on two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys (China General Social Survey 2015 and 2017), the study reveals that Chinese parents working from home are more likely to be in nonstandard employment arrangements, including those without formal contracts, in the private sector, or holding multiple jobs. Parents with rural hukou, younger age, higher educational levels, greater managerial involvement, and partners working fewer hours are more likely to have positive attitudes toward WFH adoption. Although no significant relationship was found between gender and WFH status or attitudes toward WFH adoption, distinct patterns were observed in the experiences of mothers and fathers working from home.

Author

• Zhuo Chen, University College London