Chinese state media increasingly emphasises women's domestic roles, a shift from earlier public sphere portrayals. This change coincides with women's diminished representation in high-level political and policy leadership positions. Studies reveal a widening gap in media associations with public versus private spheres for women. China's demographic policies also influence women's employment and gender equality outcomes. These shifts reflect broader institutional and ideological changes within the country.

Analysis of 125,000 articles from People’s Daily suggests it is increasingly framing women in a domestic rather than public context.

Women’s public role shrink in China as official rhetoric shift towards family, children: Study