Gender and Power in Rural North China

This insightful book examines the interplay of gender and rural political economy in 1980s China, shedding light on women's vital roles amid societal reforms.

In Gender and Power in Rural North China, the author delves into the intricate relationship between gender dynamics and the transformation of the rural political economy during the 1980s. The book highlights a paradox that remains prevalent in contemporary Chinese society: the Confucian belief that 'for a woman to be without ability is a virtue.' This notion, widely accepted by both genders, contrasts sharply with the realities of daily life, where women's contributions are vital yet often overlooked. The author investigates how this paradox is recreated within the context of rural reform in China.

Following the Cultural Revolution and the move away from collectivism, significant policy changes were introduced by Chinese leadership, including the redistribution of collective resources and the establishment of local governments. These reforms aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and reducing state control, but they largely ignored the specific roles that women play in agriculture and rural industries. Despite their essential contributions, women's roles are frequently minimized or denied in official narratives, creating a disconnect between policy and practice.

Drawing on fieldwork from three villages in Shandong province, the study emphasizes the importance of the household in rural social and economic relations. It carefully examines the reconstructed household dynamics of the reform era, focusing on gender relations and the strategies women employ to advocate for their interests. By linking everyday gender relations to state power, Gender and Power in Rural North China reveals the significant role gender plays in the broader context of rural political economy, challenging the notion of gender neutrality in economic reforms.