Reform of Women's Roles and Family Structures in the Recent History of China

Recent changes in China have created an unprecedented experiment in social change. In afew short years, women have moved from a position of virtual serfdom within the family system to one of economic independence in relatively egalitarian marriage relationships. This paper reviews the history of women's status before, during and after the Chinese Communists' attainment of power, and analyzes societal forces which have either promoted or inhibited family reform. Evidence suggests that despite gains made under socialism, the revolution has fallen short of its own goal of a classless society in which women have coequality.