The Mencius Mothers of Hong Kong | Caixin Media
Liang Yingfei—Caixin Media
There is a popular ancient Chinese tale about how Mencius’ mother did not rest until she found a suitable environment in which to raise her son. Mencius, who lived from 372 to 289 B.C.E., became a great interpreter of Confucianism and one of the most respected Chinese philosophers. Today, a ‘Mencius Mother’ refers to mainland mothers, mostly from well-educated, middle-class families, who enroll their children in schools in Hong Kong and move there to support them. They believe that the education system in Hong Kong and the openness of the city will better prepare their children for future success. Many leave behind more comfortable living situations to move into the notoriously small apartments of Hong Kong, and many also put their professional lives on hold. Liang Yingfei photographed several parents who followed their children to Hong Kong, capturing a sense of both loneliness and togetherness, and the watchful maternal gaze that Mencius might have felt.
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There is a popular ancient Chinese tale about how Mencius’ mother did not rest until she found a suitable environment in which to raise her son. Mencius, who lived from 372 to 289 B.C.E., became a great interpreter of Confucianism and one of the most respected Chinese philosophers. Today, a ‘Mencius Mother’ refers to mainland mothers, mostly from well-educated, middle-class families, who enroll their children in schools in Hong Kong and move there to support them. They believe that the education system in Hong Kong and the openness of the city will better prepare their children for future success. Many leave behind more comfortable living situations to move into the notoriously small apartments of Hong Kong, and many also put their professional lives on hold. Liang Yingfei photographed several parents who followed their children to Hong Kong, capturing a sense of both loneliness and togetherness, and the watchful maternal gaze that Mencius might have felt.