The present study was designed to investigate the differences of the sense of identity and child-rearing between Japanese and Chinese women. Data were obtained on the basis of questionnaire distributed to 218 women aged from 30's to 60's (168 Japanese, 50 Chinese). The results were summarized as follows: 1) There was no significant difference in the level of identity achievement between Japanese and Chinese women. However, Japanese put more importance on the good relationship in society,

more »

... ood, and family for their identity than Chinese. 2) Chinese valued child-rearing more positively than Japansese. Chinese mothers' level of the feelings of being restricted by child-rearing was lower than that of Japanese mothers. Chinese mothers strongly thought that they had to bring up thier children to be "good children" than Japanese mothers. However, the stress in bringing up children was higher in Japanese mothers than Chinese mothers. These differences in the sense of identity and child-rearing were discussed in relation to socio-cultural background.