Marketization, Mass Media and Gender Ideology: China 1990-2010

• In Event: 380 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 01. Labor Market and Economy

Abstract

Gender ideology in China has been shaped and reshaped since the establishment of the PRC in 1949. Drawing on nationally representative data, this paper examines the trend and associates of gender ideology in recent decades, focusing on the intersection of the state, market, culture and media. Findings show that gender ideology has, as a whole, become more equal over time, but different domains do not move synchronically. In contrast with the progressive trend of cultural attitude, a resurgence towards tradition in the division of labor is observed. This suggests that the demarcation of “inside-women and outside-men,” as the power relationship, has been retained due to state withdrawal from practicing gender equality, the powerful expansion of marketization, and excessive praise of traditional gender roles in mass media. To truly facilitate an all-round ideology of gender equality, therefore, necessitates deconstructing the male discourse and historical narrations in the labor market and media.

Author

• Juhua Yang, Renmin University of China