Chinese Women in the 21st Century
Feminism is understood broadly as a movement that strives for sex equality between men and women. The history of feminism within the Chinese context dates back 1898 when there was a reform movement until the revolution of 1911. Since its existence, Chinese feminism has emerged onto stage, it has been intimately bound to larger social trends of people which often hide and distort female subjectivity. Literary novels and other forms of art are found at different particular eras throughout China 's modern history which reflect upon the change in feminism and their connection to social and ideological trends. Some wonder if women partake in positions of power. The answer to this is simply yes. Although some have made it the top, they are often stereotyped, and in some ways defaced. "It is not surprising, then, that women who "get there on their own" are often identified as especially masculine" (Peterson/Runyan, 96) Despite this fact, Chinese women today have equal political status as well as equal rights to participate in state , which have been clearly stipulated in the Constitution and related laws and regulations. In 1992, the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Women was established and enacted. However as we take a deep look into China 's rich history, we find that this wasn 't always the case and that Chinese women weren 't always fortunate as they are today.
According to the section "Historical Interpretations" in the book Chinese Women Through Chinese Eyes the status of Chinese women in pre-modern China was that they "always occupied a very low place in Chinese History"(Shih, 3), however they also played important roles within the political system. "Confucius told us that, of the ten builders of the Chou empire, one was a woman"(Shih, 4) Although her name was not ever documented she still was known to be there and has obviously made a significant impact on Chinese women during this time, and in addition gave hope to those who
According to the section "Historical Interpretations" in the book Chinese Women Through Chinese Eyes the status of Chinese women in pre-modern China was that they "always occupied a very low place in Chinese History"(Shih, 3), however they also played important roles within the political system. "Confucius told us that, of the ten builders of the Chou empire, one was a woman"(Shih, 4) Although her name was not ever documented she still was known to be there and has obviously made a significant impact on Chinese women during this time, and in addition gave hope to those who
Cited: "Chinese Women Active in Political Life". Received from http://202.95.18.169/education/97web/prettywomen/wuyi.htm on December 13,2003. "Chinese Women 's Status Rising Steadily". Received from http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200208/28/eng20020828_102192.shtml on December 13, 2003. Hoyt, Edwin P. "The Rise of the Chinese Republic". Copyright 1989. Published by McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. Jiaxiang, Wang. "What Are Chinese Women Faced With After Beijing?" Feminist Studies, Fall96, Vol. 22 Issue 3, p497, 5p. Li, Yu-Ning. "Chinese Women Through Chinese Eyes" Published by M.E. Sharpe. Peterson, V, Spike, Runyan, Anne, Sisson. "Global Gender Issues" Copyright 1999. Published by Westview Press.