Role of Women Women have traditionally served in a subordinate position within Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese mothers usually stayed in the home to take care of the children, the home, and the rest of the family. However, the role that women play within society is ever expanding, 69 percent of women participated in the labor force in China. Due to increased opportunities, women are seeking careers in addition to their traditional child-rearing role. However, there is a gender wage gap in China,