2017
DOI: 10.1177/1097184x17696911
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Chinese Young Men’s Construction of Exemplary Masculinity: The Hegemony of Chenggong

Abstract: Using interviews with twenty-five male Beijingers in their final year of upper secondary school, this article shows that their construction of masculinities in all cases revolves around the importance of chenggong (outstanding accomplishment). They perceived chenggong as a prerequisite for the “the good life,” “the good person,” and “the good man.” But striving for chenggong entails much personal cost. Chenggong’s strong assertion by all these young men, notwithstanding intragroup differences, may indicate its… Show more

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Cited by 66 publications
(54 citation statements)
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“…In China today, expressive individualism has co-developed with utilitarian individualism and youth seem to embrace both (Liu, 2011). The instrumental criteria for a suitable husband are also legitimated by what I have elsewhere labeled as “the post-Mao cultural sex agreement” in keeping with the discourse of “natural sex differences” (Liu, 2017). Instrumental calculation could also arise from insecurity about one’s future welfare in a context of individualization without an adequate state-provided safety net (Yan, 2010) and rampant consumerism.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 93%
“…In China today, expressive individualism has co-developed with utilitarian individualism and youth seem to embrace both (Liu, 2011). The instrumental criteria for a suitable husband are also legitimated by what I have elsewhere labeled as “the post-Mao cultural sex agreement” in keeping with the discourse of “natural sex differences” (Liu, 2017). Instrumental calculation could also arise from insecurity about one’s future welfare in a context of individualization without an adequate state-provided safety net (Yan, 2010) and rampant consumerism.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 93%
“…It is why families in this study are showing an awareness of and prioritising Confucian values in order for their children to become an exemplary (or ideal) person. This echoes President Xi Jinping's vision of "The Chinese Dream" which seeks to capitalise on the motivations of young Chinese people in their pursuit of a life of excellence, indirectly resulting in the rejuvenation of the country (Liu, 2019). This also dovetails with Tomba's view (2014: 143) of a middle class that is "the most desirable type of subject for an authoritarian state: politically docile, but willing to fulfill an ethical and moral responsibility in the name of social stability, [and] traditional virtues [ .…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The first feature is economic power over women, and the purpose is to be the provider of the family. Being responsible for a wealthy life for family members (parents, wife, and children) is a crucial criterion for being a true man (Liu, 2019). Therefore, economic power, with men in the breadwinner role, in Western culture is predominant.…”
Section: Age and Masculinities In Child Carementioning
confidence: 99%