Cultural Values and Gender Role Perceptions in China and Mexico: Academic Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This comparative study explores how deeply rooted cultural values in China and Mexico influenced academic mothers' perceptions of their roles as both professionals and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing data from Wave 7 of the World Values Survey (WVS), this research examines how key cultural dimensions, such as collectivism vs. individualism and power distance, shaped societal expectations of gender roles, family responsibilities, and women’s leadership in both countries. Through an intersectional lens, this study highlights how academic mothers navigated the compounded pressures of their dual roles amidst shifting institutional and societal demands exacerbated by the pandemic.

The findings reveal that in China, Confucian values reinforced traditional caregiving roles, while academic mothers faced significant challenges in balancing professional and domestic responsibilities. In contrast, Mexico’s blend of Catholic and Indigenous values allowed for more diverse gender role perceptions but still imposed considerable burdens on women balancing career and family life. The study demonstrates how pre-existing cultural frameworks in both countries intensified the gendered impact of the pandemic on academic mothers, while also offering insights into the coping strategies they employed.

This research contributes to the sociological understanding of gender roles in times of global crises and highlights the importance of culturally sensitive policy interventions. By examining the intersection of cultural values, gender norms, and the lived experiences of academic mothers, the study provides actionable recommendations for creating more equitable support systems for women in academia globally.