Adapting to motherhood: Online participation in WeChat groups to support first-time mothers

Autor: Runxi Zeng, Hua Zhou, Richard Evans
Jazyk: English<br />Spanish; Castilian<br />Portuguese
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Revista Teknokultura, Vol 20, Iss Special Issue (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1549-2230
45543402
DOI: 10.5209/tekn.86912
Popis: This study investigates how first-time mothers participate in online discussions in WeChat groups to support their adaptation to motherhood. Online ethnography and in-depth interviews are employed to examine the psychological and behavioural aspects of these first-time mothers within WeChat groups, as well as the group construction process. The study’s findings show that WeChat groups, formed around common identity, have integrated new media technology into the cultural practices of distinct social groups. Within these groups, first-time mothers establish unique information exchange networks with other first-time mothers, enabling the sharing of experiences, emotions, and resources, ultimately creating de facto identity communities. Moreover, WeChat groups serve as vital channels for acquiring and distributing social capital, expanding parenting resources and social networks. The study highlights the crucial role of WeChat groups in providing support to first-time mothers as they navigate motherhood while fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging within this virtual community.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals