Researching Motherhood in the Age of Short Videos: Stay-at-Home Mothers in China Performing Labor on Douyin

Addressing the particular context of China, this article has two aims. First, it offers reflections on possibilities and limitations using user-generated short videos (vlogs) as research data both methodologically ethically. We specifically explore potential centering vlogs a new format for examining motherhood behavior across online offline spaces. Secondly, adds to thematic literature (re)production representations motherhood. critically examine rising phenomenon in China stay-at-home mother, by exploring how these mothers use video platforms. Inductively learning from analysis published Douyin, patterns indicate three distinct forms labor are performed through digital practices: domestic labor, affective entrepreneurial labor. Drawing patterns, we update original framework “motherhood 2.0,” which was coined 2010s address mothering practices industrialized western societies. extend conceptualize 3.0” analyzing type Chinese community-based intersectional performance motherhood, gender, that see emerging cultural production centered videos. Mediated within is informed social, cultural, technological factors. Digital technologies mobile media communication provide means navigate between their roles devoted pursuit self-actualization.