Do Chinese Women Have Equal Rights?

Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s been on my mind lately: Do women in China truly enjoy equal rights? It’s a big question, one that’s complex and multifaceted, and I’ll do my best to unpack it with my personal insights. As always, this is just my perspective—feel free to agree, disagree, or add your own thoughts!

A Historical Perspective: Women in New China

For a long time, I believed that women in China have relatively high social status compared to some other countries. Since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, there’s been a deliberate push for gender equality. Mao Zedong famously said, “Women hold up half the sky,” and that ethos shaped much of New China’s social structure. Unlike some historical transitions, like the establishment of the Republic of China, which didn’t fully dismantle old power structures, the Communist government aimed for a radical overhaul.

Traditional practices deemed harmful, like prostitution and gambling, were banned. Many cultural traditions were labeled as “superstitious” and suppressed, particularly on the mainland. This included practices that reinforced gender hierarchies. For example, in mainland China, women don’t take their husband’s surname after marriage—my wife, for instance, kept her maiden name, Ou, and would never be called “Mrs. Li.” Instead, she might be referred to as “Xu Yang’s mom” in certain contexts, but never as an extension of my identity. This stands in contrast to places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, or even Western countries, where taking a husband’s surname is common.

This rejection of certain traditions, combined with the influence of Confucian culture in places like Japan and South Korea—where gender roles are often more rigid—led me to believe that Chinese women enjoy a relatively high degree of equality. I’ve even come across videos from Japanese and Korean women living in China who noted that women here seem to have more freedom and opportunities compared to their home countries. Of course, this is anecdotal, and I haven’t lived in those countries myself, so I can’t verify it firsthand.

A Shift in Perspective: The Media’s Role

Recently, however, my perspective has started to shift, thanks in part to a TV show my wife and I have been watching called Sisters Who Ride the Wind and Break the Waves (a popular Chinese reality show). The program brings together accomplished women—actresses, singers, dancers—to compete in performances. What struck us was that, regardless of their age (some are in their 40s and 50s), many of their performances seemed designed to appeal to a male audience. The dances, songs, and overall presentation often felt like they were crafted with male viewers in mind.

This observation led to a broader realization: much of the entertainment industry, particularly in music and dance, seems to cater to male gazes. Compare this to a similar show, Brothers Who Cut Through Thorns, featuring male actors, singers, and dancers. Their performances focus on themes like brotherhood, family, or personal struggles, with little emphasis on pleasing a female audience. This contrast made me question whether Chinese society is as egalitarian as I once thought. Are women still expected to perform for male approval, even in spaces where they’re the stars?

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Inequalities

This realization extends beyond entertainment. Despite the rhetoric of equality, men still hold most of society’s premium resources—whether it’s wealth, power, or influence. Even though we teach children that men and women are equal, subtle biases persist. For example, when my son started elementary school, I noticed that female teachers often favored female students. This could be because girls are perceived as more obedient or because teachers feel a need to uplift girls in a male-dominated world. However, as children grow older, the world reveals its biases: women often face unfair treatment in workplaces and society at large.

Physiological differences also play a role. Women bear the physical and emotional responsibilities of childbirth and early childcare, which can impact their career trajectories. Many companies hesitate to hire women who are unmarried or pregnant, anticipating maternity leave or family obligations. This isn’t just a Chinese issue—it’s a global one. But it highlights a tension: while we strive for equality, biological realities and societal expectations create disparities that are hard to bridge.

Finding Balance: Equality and Respect

I don’t believe absolute fairness is easily achievable, not in China or anywhere else. The balance between equality and acknowledging differences is like walking a tightrope. For instance, research shows that a mother’s presence in the first three years of a child’s life is critical for their psychological development. Does this mean mothers should sacrifice their careers? That feels unfair. Yet, ignoring these realities might not serve families or society either.

As a father, I want to raise my son to respect women and treat everyone as equals. As a Chinese language teacher and content creator, I use platforms like this to advocate for equality—not just in words but in actions. We may not be able to change society overnight, but we can start with ourselves. By fostering respect, challenging biases, and believing in equality, we can create ripples of change.

Ultimately, no one should feel pressured to please others at the expense of their own identity. We’re all here to live our most vibrant lives, regardless of gender. Let’s start with small, meaningful steps—because that’s where real change begins.