Embodying Middle Class Gender Aspirations: Perspectives from China's Privileged Young Women

This book explores the lives of well-educated urban Chinese women, examining their gendered attitudes to marriage, reproductive choices, careers, and aspirations for a good life. It sheds light on the contradictory effects of neoliberal techniques on their pursuit of success and argues that their individualistic determination to succeed has often led them to conform to the party-states agenda.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 303 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into the intricate lives of well-educated urban Chinese women, who have been raised to embody the ideals of a modern Chinese nation and have largely benefited from the policy changes that followed the post-Mao era. It explores the gendered attitudes and experiences of young women regarding marriage, reproductive choices, careers, and their aspirations for a fulfilling life. By shedding light on the factors that perpetuate mainstream Chinese middle-class women's adherence to the current gender regime, the book offers valuable insights into the contradictory effects of neoliberal techniques employed by a familial authoritarian regime on these women's pursuit of success in urban China. It argues that, paradoxically, women's individualistic determination to succeed has often led them down the path of conformity by pursuing exemplary norms that align with the party-states agenda.

The book begins by examining the historical background and social context that have shaped the lives of these women. It explores the impact of traditional Chinese values and gender roles on their upbringing and education, as well as the ways in which these values have been challenged and transformed in the post-Mao era. The authors argue that while the Chinese government has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women's rights, there are still significant barriers to women's social and economic advancement.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of neoliberal policies on women's lives in urban China. The authors argue that while neoliberal techniques have brought about economic growth and development, they have also had unintended consequences for women. For example, the increasing commodification of women's bodies and reproductive services has led to a rise in gender-based violence and exploitation. Moreover, the pressure to succeed in the workplace has led to a gender imbalance in the workforce, with women often facing discrimination and unequal pay.

The book also explores the experiences of young women in urban China regarding marriage, reproductive choices, and careers. The authors argue that while traditional Chinese values still play a significant role in shaping these women's choices, they are also increasingly influenced by Western cultural norms and values. For example, there has been a growing trend towards delaying marriage and having fewer children, as women seek to balance their careers and personal lives. However, the authors note that this trend is not universal, and that many women still face pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and marry early.

Another important theme of the book is the role of the family in perpetuating gender inequality in urban China. The authors argue that while the Chinese government has made efforts to promote family planning and support women's rights, the family remains a powerful institution that upholds traditional gender roles and values. For example, women are often expected to prioritize their families over their careers, and they may face pressure to conform to traditional gender norms in their relationships with men.

The book also explores the ways in which women in urban China are resisting and challenging the gender regime. The authors note that women are increasingly using social media and other forms of technology to voice their opinions and advocate for gender equality. They are also organizing grassroots movements and advocating for policy changes that promote women's rights and social justice.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the lives of well-educated urban Chinese women. It sheds light on the complex factors that perpetuate gender inequality in urban China and provides valuable insights into the ways in which women are resisting and challenging the gender regime. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of gender and society

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811611414
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021