Between Family and Market: China’s Emerging Third Way Model of Childcare and Its Challenges

This article investigates the recent development of formal childcare services in China, focusing on the policy framework introduced since 2019 and its implementation in three county-level regions. Drawing on Mahon’s typology of childcare welfare models, it identifies China’s approach as a tailored third way model, characterised by reliance on private investment, limited public funding, and the assignment of primary caregiving responsibilities to families. Based on policy analysis and qualitative fieldwork, the study reveals significant gaps between policy goals and service accessibility. While formal childcare is framed as a solution to declining fertility and work-life imbalance, high service costs and inadequate local support have constrained equitable access. The Chinese case suggests that without stronger public investment and gender-equality measures, the third way model is unlikely to sustain women’s employment and may deepen social inequalities.