The Women in China: History, Role and Changes in This 21st Century
Plan
Introduction
1- History of female oppression
a. Traditional role of Confucianism
b. Married life
c. May fourth movement
2- Domestic life of a Chinese woman
a. Foot binding
b. Trafficking of women
c. Confucianism and communism
d. Population control
3- Chinese women in the workplace
Conclusion
Introduction
This study on women in China examines the role and status of Chinese women relative to the political and cultural changes that have taken place in the 21st century as a consequence of globalization. Globalization refers to the interaction and integration of people, products, cultures and governments between various nations around the globe. Globalization affected women's rights and the gender hierarchy in China, in aspects of domestic life such as marriage and primogeniture, as well as in the workplace. These changes altered the quality of life and the availability of opportunities to women at different junctures throughout the modern globalization process.
The dynamics of gender inequity are correlated with the ideological principles held by the ruling political regime. The imperial era (221-206 BCE) was dominated by the social paradigm of Confucianism, which was a pervasive philosophy throughout the Orient. Confucian ideals emphasized morality, character, social relationship, and the status quo. Confucius preached ren (humanity) and the equality and educability of all people; Neo-Confucianists and Imperial leaders used his beliefs in social hierarchy, particularly in the family setting, for the physical and social oppression of women. As the Chinese government began to re-assimilate themselves into the global community in the late 19th to early 20th century, it shifted away from conventional Confucian ideals and women’s role in society changed as well. After Mao Zedong established the People’s Republic of China in 1949, a change in traditional gender roles came about. Mao’s death marked the beginning of the current communist administration and an
Introduction
1- History of female oppression
a. Traditional role of Confucianism
b. Married life
c. May fourth movement
2- Domestic life of a Chinese woman
a. Foot binding
b. Trafficking of women
c. Confucianism and communism
d. Population control
3- Chinese women in the workplace
Conclusion
Introduction
This study on women in China examines the role and status of Chinese women relative to the political and cultural changes that have taken place in the 21st century as a consequence of globalization. Globalization refers to the interaction and integration of people, products, cultures and governments between various nations around the globe. Globalization affected women's rights and the gender hierarchy in China, in aspects of domestic life such as marriage and primogeniture, as well as in the workplace. These changes altered the quality of life and the availability of opportunities to women at different junctures throughout the modern globalization process.
The dynamics of gender inequity are correlated with the ideological principles held by the ruling political regime. The imperial era (221-206 BCE) was dominated by the social paradigm of Confucianism, which was a pervasive philosophy throughout the Orient. Confucian ideals emphasized morality, character, social relationship, and the status quo. Confucius preached ren (humanity) and the equality and educability of all people; Neo-Confucianists and Imperial leaders used his beliefs in social hierarchy, particularly in the family setting, for the physical and social oppression of women. As the Chinese government began to re-assimilate themselves into the global community in the late 19th to early 20th century, it shifted away from conventional Confucian ideals and women’s role in society changed as well. After Mao Zedong established the People’s Republic of China in 1949, a change in traditional gender roles came about. Mao’s death marked the beginning of the current communist administration and an
Bibliography: • Main Concepts of Confucianism, November 28, 2009. Retrieved from http://philosophy.lander.edu/oriental/main.html • "Foot Binding and Problems Faced by Women", Facts and Details: China. Hayes, Jeff (2008). November 2009. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=104&catid=4&subcatid=21 • Women in China: Past and the Present,1995. Retrieved from http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/chinwomn.html • Traditions weigh on China’s women, Christopher Allen, 2006, BBC. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5086654.stm • Interviews of a Chinese woman, Saturday 9 april 2011, conducted by Eliott Malderez