Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Women in China - statistics & facts
The status of women in China has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Throughout most of the country’s history, women were strictly required to accord with the wishes and needs of men. In modern China, old suppressive practices were criticized; foot binding, widow chastity, parental control of marriage, and concubinage have all been eliminated. However, after decades of Communism followed by years of economic liberalism, Chinese society remains, in some ways, very attached to its social and family traditions.
Along with some improvements in female empowerment in the labor market, the deep-seated internalization of stereotypical gender roles in Chinese society has been challenged as well. An increasing number of young women, mostly in urban areas, have decided not to marry and have children. With growing awareness of their rights, modern women are willing to seek help and to speak up. Although many women and girls are still facing discrimination, inequality and even violence, especially in rural areas, the evolution of the female status in China is likely taking the right direction.
Problematic sex ratio
Chinese culture has always placed a higher value on the male gender. Whenever socio-economic circumstances forced families to limit the number of children, sons were preferred over daughters, creating a shortage of young females. As a result of the one-child policy (introduced in China in 1979), many girls were selectively aborted or received poorer healthcare than boys and died very young. Consequently, China has more men than women. According to official estimates of 2023, the surplus of men among young adults of marriageable age of 20 to 24 years was around 113.72 to 100. This infamous deficit of young Chinese females is naturally accompanied by several social, demographic and economic problems, including black markets for brides and increased age-gaps between spouses.The fight for gender equality
China was one of the world’s first countries in which demands for the emancipation of women and the struggle for equality between the genders appeared on the political agenda – the first feminist movements in the country date back to the mid-nineteenth century. As early as the 1950s, concrete action was organized in favor of female work outside the home and for equality of spouses. In recent decades, Chinese women have undoubtedly gained more economic independence, higher education, and professional qualifications. At present, the female unemployment rate is lower than that of male unemployment in China. Moreover, women have been more and more confident in their performance at work, which also earns the respect of their male colleagues.Along with some improvements in female empowerment in the labor market, the deep-seated internalization of stereotypical gender roles in Chinese society has been challenged as well. An increasing number of young women, mostly in urban areas, have decided not to marry and have children. With growing awareness of their rights, modern women are willing to seek help and to speak up. Although many women and girls are still facing discrimination, inequality and even violence, especially in rural areas, the evolution of the female status in China is likely taking the right direction.
