Shifting Gender Roles in China

Gender inequality has long been a controversial topic in both the East and the West. Although people have fought for gender equality for years, there isn’t a single nation that has reached absolute gender equality. For centuries, the male gender was given more rights than the female. Generally, only the male race was able to discuss political issues or cast votes, while household responsibilities fell onto the shoulders of women. However, along with the progress of civilization, the social status of the female gender has risen substantially. More work opportunity for women, as well as the increase of the female voice, are shreds of evidence that the gender gap is narrowing. These changes are evident in developed, Western countries—but how is the quest for gender equality progressing in the East?

It is no exaggeration to say that most Eastern countries are disposed toward conservatism. Eastern countries lay emphasis on tradition, with the female gender holding a subordinate position. China is not an exception. In the past, the newborn male child was treated deferentially, while female children served first their fathers, then their husbands and sons. In most parts of China, women traditionally had little voice when it came to choosing their husbands. In other words, women were treated likes slaves in the past.

However, after the Qing Dynasty collapsed and the People’s Republic of China was founded, the role of Chinese women changed dramatically. Communism pushed men and women to work together, opening a new path for women to participate in society. Husbands were not allowed to abuse their wives and arranged marriages were banned. Women were also encouraged to join the workforce, as well as becoming communist officials, and pursuing educational opportunities. Chinese women freely expressing their opinions and women collaborating with men at work proves that the Chinese society is working together towards gender equality.

The unfortunate truth, on the other hand, is that may women are ignored within Chinese society, and as they reach a higher rank, the more pressure they will go through. Though it is true that job opportunities for women have significantly increased, the jobs are often limited to simple jobs such as security or cleaners, requiring no particular set of skills. “The state sector is quite popular with women because their rights are better protected there,” said Feng Yuan, head of the Center for Women’s Studies at Shantou University.

As China is entering the developed countries list, China should show the global stage how open they are when it comes to accepting women as executives. As it is already widely accepted in global business circles that having female managers is beneficial, China should overturn their obsolete beliefs, and should pave the way for Asian countries to promote females in positions of responsibility and power.

For more information, visit the New York Times.