Browse Exhibits (1 total)

Women's Position in China through the Lens of Family History

We make the future

(ChinesePosters: "We make the future")

Even after China’s adoption of a market economy, women’s role in society is still very different from that of a capitalist society. Compared to Western feminism initiated by bottom-up activists, modern Chinese feminism began with government endeavors. Although China did enact policies that aimed to dismantle the structural inequalities women are facing, traditional Chinese ideologies rooted in Confucius values remain the underpinning of women’s rights in China.

Jane and Her Roommates

(Jane and Her Roomates in College)

In this digital history project, I wish to explore the extent to which the position of women changed in China from the 1950s to now. This exhibition explores the continuity and changes in women’s position after several attempts to tackle inequalities between men and women under a governmental framework. It consists of three narratives from Guizhen Zhang, Jane Zheng, and Yi Lu—my grandmother and parents.

Beginning with a timeline outlining dates and events for constitutional change, new policies, and major personal activities, the first page provides an overview of governmental endeavors and my family history. The exhibition then proceeds to explicate two critical concepts for understanding women’s position in China then a more personal perspective against the general backdrop of historical development. Approaching the end, the last page compares elements from the three perspectives with the visions and alleged objectives of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and ultimately evaluates the extent of China’s success.

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