Chinese Women and Rural Development

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Focusing on the historical evolution of gender roles in rural China, this ethnography examines significant changes from the 1930s to the 1990s, including the end of footbinding and the feminization of agriculture. Through in-depth research in Lu Village, the author challenges traditional narratives of women as mere victims or heroes, highlighting their diverse experiences and agency amidst economic and social transformations. The book draws on both contemporary observations and classic studies, offering a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics shaped by state and market influences.