#MeToo and Cyber Activism in China: Gendered Violence and Scripts of Power

This book explores the #MeToo movement in China, analyzing how three competing ideologies - official communism, Western neoliberalism, and emerging Chinese cyber feminism - have co-opted the activism. It documents the social events and gendered norms in higher education, NGOs, business, and religious circles before and after high-profile cases of alleged sexual abuses. It aims to provide insights into the ongoing tension between state, market, and gendered hierarchy in contemporary Chinese society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The #MeToo movement in China has been a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, with three competing ideologies vying for influence over the movement. These ideologies are Chinas official communism, Western neoliberalism, and an emerging Chinese cyber feminism. This book critically examines how these ideologies have co-opted the #MeToo activism in China, exploring the ways in which they have shaped the movement and its outcomes.

In 2018, the #MeToo movement in China gained significant momentum, with women sharing their stories of sexual harassment and abuse on social media platforms. Despite strict censorship, the movement continued to grow, presenting a powerful voice against gendered violence and revealing the scripts of power in various sectors of society. However, over time, the movement lost its momentum due to several factors.

Firstly, corporate corruption became a significant obstacle to the movement. Many companies and institutions were accused of covering up sexual abuse cases, which undermined the credibility of the movement and made it difficult for victims to seek justice. This corruption also led to a sense of disillusionment among activists, who saw the movement being used as a tool for corporate PR rather than genuine social change.

Secondly, the Western media played a role in over-politicizing the #MeToo movement. The media often portrayed the movement as a Western import, which led to a sense of resentment among Chinese activists who believed that the movement should be rooted in Chinese cultural and social values. This over-politicization also led to a stigmatization of victims, who were often accused of being Western puppets or seeking to harm Chinas reputation.

Thirdly, state censorship continued to be a significant challenge for the #MeToo movement. The Chinese government tightly controlled social media and other forms of communication, making it difficult for activists to share their stories and mobilize support. This censorship also created a sense of fear and self-censorship among activists, who were afraid of being punished for their activism.

Despite these challenges, the #MeToo movement in China has left a lasting impact on society. It has raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in China and has led to calls for greater gender equality and social justice. The movement has also inspired a new generation of activists who are committed to fighting against gendered violence and promoting gender equality in China.

In conclusion, the #MeToo movement in China has been shaped by a complex interplay of three competing ideologies: official communism, Western neoliberalism, and an emerging Chinese cyber feminism. While the movement initially gained significant momentum, it eventually lost its momentum due to corporate corruption, over-politicization by the Western media, and continued state censorship. However, the movement has left a lasting impact on society and has inspired a new generation of activists who are committed to fighting against gendered violence and promoting gender equality in China.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032054940