• In the 1950s & 60s, the CCP organised the training of ‘token’ women in male dominated areas, such as flying aircraft and working on high tension power lines. The Cultural Revolution swept away the main organs of women’s liberation, the Women’s Federations. But during the 11 years of Wen Ge, women rose to a number of prominent positions through their political skills – and perhaps through the support of Jiang Qing, a feminist who wanted to be the first woman chairman of the CCP.

• The CCP restored the Women’s Federations in 1973 and they became active again from 1977 onwards. They concentrated on subjects like birth control, hygiene and paediatrics. Chinese officials admit that women’s liberation still has a long way to go, and that the CCP’s role should be to promote and foster it. There were only 2 women in the

• As in all socialist countries it is a moot point in China whether the employment of women in low-paid industrial jobs is liberating or just a new form of subjugation. But there is also no question that women have greatly improved their social and economic position since 1949. Even though the party’s policy is equal pay for equal work ???? (to2ng go1ng to2ng cho2u), women still only earn on average 81.68% of their male counterparts. Men tend to get better paid jobs and most companies prefer male graduates.

• Matchmakers still play a role in marriages in rural areas. Although they have no official status, they can make a tidy income from their knowledge of families in different villages, their tact and their negotiating skills. The authorities do not generally interfere with them. Once a choice has been made, the young man’s mother will inspect the proposed bride and ask questions about her health, strength and working skills. The girl’s parents will enquire and the financial standing of the young man’s family, their annual income in work points and cash, the size of the family plot, and the number of family members. If each family is happy with the choices made by the matchmaker the amount and form of the bride money will be discussed. It is normal that the family of the bridegroom should pay in cash, furniture, bedding, food, or even jewellery for the arrival of the bride to live in their new home. This payment is not a dowry, but the opposite. With the relative emancipation of Chinese peasant women by comparison to with their previous condition, their labour power is assessed as a future contribution to the income of the husband’s family (with the household

Some topics in this essay:
Presidium National, Equality China, Women’s Federations, Wen Ge, Jiang Qing, Cultural Revolution, gender equality, women’s federations, fall love, relationships •, women’s rights, women’s liberation, marriage law, party’s ideal, play role, parcel land,