Marriage, Gender and Sex in a Contemporary Chinese Village

This book examines the evolution of marriage, gender roles, and sexual attitudes in a rural Chinese village over several decades, highlighting the impact of economic reforms.

In Marriage, Gender and Sex in a Contemporary Chinese Village, the authors delve into the evolving notions of marriage, gender roles, and sexual attitudes within a rural Chinese community over the last fifty years. The narrative is rooted in a comprehensive study conducted in an industrialized peasant village in Guangdong Province, spanning from 1994 to 1996, with follow-up visits from 2000 to 2002. This exploration reveals how the rural economic reforms of the 1980s have both challenged and reinforced traditional Chinese familism, creating a dynamic interplay between modernity and established customs.

The first section of the book presents personal narratives from three marriages across different generations, illustrating the shifting perspectives on courtship and marital expectations. These accounts highlight the profound transformations in societal norms and individual choices that have occurred over the decades. In the second part, the focus shifts to the experiences of women navigating the transition from traditional to modern societal frameworks, shedding light on their unique challenges and adaptations.

The third section addresses the complexities of sexual relationships, including the emergence of a growing sex trade within the village. Finally, Part IV provides updates to the original survey, offering insights into the current political landscape of the village. Through these multifaceted discussions, Marriage, Gender and Sex in a Contemporary Chinese Village presents a nuanced understanding of the intricate balance between tradition and change in contemporary Chinese society.