In search of perfect motherhood for imperfect childhood – experiences of 22 Chinese mothers

Authors: S. H. Pun¹; Joyce L. C. Ma²; Kelly C. C. Lai³

Source: Child & Family Social Work, Volume 9, Number 3, August 2004 , pp. 285-293(9)

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Abstract:

Motherhood is subjectively defined and contextually based. This article describes and unfolds the experience of 22 Chinese mothers in Hong Kong in cultivating a sense of perfect motherhood for their children who have mental or behavioural problems that require psychiatric consultation. The mother, the significant others and the general public perceive the latter as a form of imperfection. The mothering experiences were full of frustrations, ambivalence, stresses and tensions, and were crystallized by the repeated theme of mother-blaming and self-blame by the mother. Despite the hardships, these Chinese mothers have gradually developed self-confidence and pride, and have found ways to cope with the burden of care. Implications for practice are highlighted at the end of the paper.

Keywords: Chinese mothers; Hong Kong; imperfect childhood; perfect motherhood

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2004.00311.x

Affiliations: 1: Honorary Research Fellow, Social Welfare Practice and Research Centre, Department of Social Work, 2: Professor, Department of Social Work, and 3: Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Publication date: 2004-08-01