Beyond W.E.I.R.D. (Western, educated, industrial, rich, democratic)‐centric theories and perspectives: masculinity and fathering in Chinese societies

Fatherhood scholarship has made much theoretical progress over the past decades, yet existing models and concepts continue to draw primarily on western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic (WEIRD)-centric assumptions. This review uses demographically sizeable, culturally significant, understudied undertheorized Chinese fathers as an example reveal limitations of applying WEIRD-centric perspectives when studying fathering fatherhood. Specifically, fatherhood, with emphasis father involvement, especially in rough-and-tumble play, are predicated assumptions nuclear family western hegemonic masculinity. The cultural tradition, contrast, endorses a literatus masculinity emphasizes lineage, thereby encouraging fathers' educational involvement inviting grandparental care. These traditions intersect unfolding social developments contemporary societies shape ideals practices. A full, routine inclusion non-WEIRD fathers, such promises benefit fatherhood whole.