In China, 产假 (chǎnjià) is more than just a company benefit; it's a state-mandated right that reflects national policy. For decades, family planning was dominated by the One-Child Policy. Now, facing a demographic crisis, the government is actively encouraging childbirth, and extending 产假 is one of its key tools.
Comparison with US/Western Culture: The primary difference lies in the source and uniformity of the benefit. In the United States, paid maternity leave is not federally guaranteed and varies wildly based on the state and the employer. In China, there is a national baseline (currently 98 days), which provinces are required to offer and are encouraged to extend. For example, Beijing and Shanghai offer an additional 60 days, bringing the total to 158 days. This highlights a more collectivist, state-driven approach where the government sets a clear standard for social welfare, versus the more individualistic or corporate-dependent system in the US.
Related Values: The concept is tied to the traditional Chinese value of family continuity. While modern pressures exist, there's a strong underlying social expectation that new mothers should be supported. Providing a generous 产假 is seen as a responsibility of both the employer and the state to ensure the health of the mother and child, and by extension, the future of the nation.