Social Gender and Power in Northern Chinese Villages

Author: Zhu Ailan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Based on field research conducted by the author in three villages of Shandong Province from 1986 to 1990, this book systematically analyzes the distinct responses of each community to the reforms and provides an in-depth examination of the profound impact of China's rural economic reforms on the status, productive activities, and social relationships of rural women in northern China. This study reveals, despite significant improvements in women's conditions within the family sphere and even in family businesses, that on a broader social stage—particularly in village governments and collective enterprises at the village level—men still dominate almost all key positions. This convincingly demonstrates the operation and evolution of gender and power relations in various private and social life domains, including marriage and family, employment, political participation, social organization, and networks.