Parenting in Stepfamilies: Social Attitudes, Parental Perceptions and Parenting Behaviours in Hong Kong (Social & Political Studies from Hong Kong)

This study examines stepfamilies in Hong Kong where information on the issues is scarce. The book explores how aspirations and relationships in marriages have changed and how parenting practices are influenced. The findings of the study reveal that social attitudes towards stepfamilies and stepparenting are rather negative in Hong Kong, parental perceptions and parenting behaviour in the stepfamilies are affected by this. Some traditional values are still influencial in contemporary Hong Kong Chinese families, however, stepmothers have taken unconventional roles within a family structure which conflict with the tradition. The book aims to provide insights into the dynamics of stepfamilies in a societal context and aims to enhance the understanding of culture and gender-sensitivity.