Academic mothers in Chinese universities: implications of the birth policy transformation

Huirong Gao (), Mengxin Ye, Tengling Gong, Xu Wei and Zhenguo Zhong ()
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Huirong Gao: East China Normal University
Mengxin Ye: East China Normal University
Tengling Gong: East China Normal University
Xu Wei: Beijing Normal University
Zhenguo Zhong: Hangzhou Normal University

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The three-child policy coincides with heightened challenges for academic mothers balancing careers with family life, academic work, and social expectations. Previous studies globally have often focused on the challenges of balancing motherhood and research careers. However, China’s unique context—marked by rapid shifts in birth policies promoting multiple children and deep-rooted cultural expectations emphasizing women’s domestic roles—creates distinct pressures for academic mothers, leaving their experiences largely unexplored. This study combines surveys and interviews to explore three main questions: (1) What are academic mothers’ current plans for having children? (2) What factors shape these plans? (3) How do they manage the pressures of gender roles, academic demands, and societal norms? Survey results show that academic mothers want more children than the general population, but very few plan to have a third child. Interviews reveal that their decisions depend heavily on how having children aligns with their personal and career goals. These findings highlight tensions between policy incentives and structural barriers in academia. Their lived experiences highlight their strength and creativity in dealing with a highly competitive academic environment, often called “involution.” The study calls for better workplace support and policy changes to help academic mothers succeed in both their careers and family life.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06056-4

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