Representation of Women in New Chinese Middle School History Textbooks

• In Event: Reconceptualizing Boundaries and Identities Within and Across Cultures

Abstract

Throughout the world, the search for role models for young women has become increasingly urgent, along with an increasing interest in women’s history and their contributions. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, it has been a basic state policy to promote equality between men and women in the nation. More laws and regulations have been launched to promote gender equality and to ensure that women enjoy equal rights with men in terms of politics, economy, culture, and social and family life. How has the state gender equality policy been reflected in the nation’s new history textbooks for middle school students? This study analyzes women in most recently adopted Chinese textbooks for middle school students.

Author

• Guichun Zong, Kennesaw State University