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Chinese Immigrants in Sweden: Crisis and Compromise in Patriarchy

Zeng, Qingli LU (2024) SOCM05 20241
Sociology
Abstract
This study explores how Chinese immigrant families with patriarchal structures adapt after relocating to Sweden. Before immigration, these families followed a system I conceptualize as "soft patriarchal ruling," where wives internalized patriarchal norms and men maintained control through subtle power-sharing. However, upon moving to Sweden, this system faces significant challenges, leading to what I term a "patriarchal crisis." In response, women develop new gender expectations and adopt various strategies—such as turning to religion, seeking employment, or pursuing divorce—to negotiate and reshape patriarchal dynamics within their households, ultimately creating a new gender dynamic.
Popular Abstract
This study explores how Chinese immigrant families in Sweden adapt their traditional family roles to fit their new environment. Before moving, these families followed a power dynamics which called "soft patriarchal ruling." In this setup, husbands had the most control, but they would share some of the power in subtle ways, while wives often accepted traditional roles and responsibilities.

When these families relocated to Sweden, they faced a crisis in their traditional family dynamics. Many women, who were once active in the workforce, found themselves becoming full-time homemakers, leading to feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. They struggled with loneliness and a lack of personal worth, while their husbands faced challenges... (More)
This study explores how Chinese immigrant families in Sweden adapt their traditional family roles to fit their new environment. Before moving, these families followed a power dynamics which called "soft patriarchal ruling." In this setup, husbands had the most control, but they would share some of the power in subtle ways, while wives often accepted traditional roles and responsibilities.

When these families relocated to Sweden, they faced a crisis in their traditional family dynamics. Many women, who were once active in the workforce, found themselves becoming full-time homemakers, leading to feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. They struggled with loneliness and a lack of personal worth, while their husbands faced challenges with language, employment, and adjusting to their new surroundings. This led to frustrations on both sides and made the old family dynamics harder to maintain.

To cope with these challenges, women began to adopt new strategies. They turned to religion, particularly Christianity, to reshape their family roles. By interpreting religious teachings, they found ways to address their new expectations and seek greater equality within their families. Religion provided not only comfort but also a framework for negotiating new family dynamics.

Additionally, many women sought employment outside the home. Working helped them gain independence, which allowed them to negotiate more equal roles within their families. It also helped them build new social networks and feel more integrated into Swedish society.

This study highlights how Chinese immigrant women are actively working to improve their family situations. Despite traditional roles, they are finding ways to create more balanced and equal relationships through religion and work. Their experiences show that even when traditional family structures are challenged, new strategies can help transform family dynamics in positive ways. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Zeng, Qingli LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOCM05 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Patriarchy, Chinese immigrant, Soft patriarchal ruling, Patriarchal crisis, Patriarchal bargain.
language
English
id
9172845
date added to LUP
2024-09-10 10:17:48
date last changed
2024-09-10 10:17:48
@misc{9172845,
  abstract     = {{This study explores how Chinese immigrant families with patriarchal structures adapt after relocating to Sweden. Before immigration, these families followed a system I conceptualize as "soft patriarchal ruling," where wives internalized patriarchal norms and men maintained control through subtle power-sharing. However, upon moving to Sweden, this system faces significant challenges, leading to what I term a "patriarchal crisis." In response, women develop new gender expectations and adopt various strategies—such as turning to religion, seeking employment, or pursuing divorce—to negotiate and reshape patriarchal dynamics within their households, ultimately creating a new gender dynamic.}},
  author       = {{Zeng, Qingli}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Chinese Immigrants in Sweden: Crisis and Compromise in Patriarchy}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}