Gender Hierarchy of Masculinity and Femininity during the Chinese Cultural Revolution: Revolutionary Opera Films

This book explores the representations of women in revolutionary opera films during the Cultural Revolution, analyzing the influence of Maoist ideology and masculinist power on gender hierarchy. It uses feminist methodology and epistemology to examine the sociological connections between the masculinization of women and masculinist domination, providing insights into gender within its social and cultural context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Focusing on the profound influence of Maoist ideology and patriarchal power on the representations of women in revolutionary opera films produced during the Cultural Revolution, this book delves into the intricate gendered hierarchy that existed between masculinity and femininity within the historical and cultural context in which they were created. Employing feminist methodology and epistemology, the author aims to locate the social identity of women and explore the sociological connections between the masculinization of women and the dominance of masculinist ideology during this tumultuous period. Through a comprehensive film analysis, the author examines whether women, rather than experiencing liberation, were in fact re-gendered and oppressed by the patriarchal power structures prevalent during the Cultural Revolution. By critically evaluating the gender hierarchy that prevailed during this era, the book offers valuable insights into gender within its social and cultural context, which have hitherto been overlooked.

This interdisciplinary book is designed to appeal to students and scholars across a diverse range of disciplines, including gender studies, Asian studies, China studies, cultural studies, and film studies. It provides a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between Maoist ideology, patriarchal power, and the representations of women in revolutionary opera films, shedding light on the ways in which these factors shaped the cultural landscape of China during the 1960s and 1970s. Through its rigorous analysis and thoughtful exploration, this book contributes to our understanding of gender dynamics and their impact on society, offering valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367622701