ABSTRACT

Taiwan's rapid socio-economic and political transformation has given rise to a gender-conscious middle class that is attempting to redefine the roles of women in society, to restructure relationship patterns, and to organize in groups outside the family unit. This book examines internal psychological processes and external societal processes as the feminist movement in Taiwan expands and new gender roles are explored. The contributors represent a cross section of different disciplines - history, anthropology, and sociology - and different generations of China/Taiwan scholars. They place the issues facing Taiwan's women's movement in social, political, and economic contexts. The book examines gender relations, the role of women in Chinese society, and issues related to women in China throughout history. Feminism and gender relations are also viewed from the context of film and literature. The authors look at the contemporary roles that women play in Taiwan's work force today, how the sexes perceive each other in the workplace, and more.

part I|98 pages

Gender in Historical Perspective

chapter 1|11 pages

What Can Feminist Theory Do for the Study of Chinese History?

A Brief Review of Scholarship in the United States

chapter 2|27 pages

Sons and Mothers

Demographic Realities and the Chinese Culture of Hsiao

chapter 3|18 pages

An Island of Beautiful Women

The Discourse on Gender in Ch’ing Travel Accounts of Taiwan

chapter 4|17 pages

From Shanghai to Taipei

Exile and Identity

chapter 5|23 pages

Imagining “New Women” Imagining Modernity

Gender Rhetoric in Colonial Taiwan

part II|122 pages

Gender and Social Interaction in Contemporary Taiwan

chapter 6|19 pages

Between Filial Daughter and Loyal Sister

Global Economy and Family Politics in Taiwan

chapter 8|22 pages

Should Women Get Equal Pay for Equal Work?

Taiwanese Men’s Attitudes in 1963 and 1991

chapter 9|28 pages

Carousing and Masculinity

The Cultural Production of Gender in Taiwan

chapter 10|22 pages

The Blue Whirlwind Strikes Below the Belt

Male Sexuality, Gender Politics, and the Viagra Craze in Taiwan

part III|102 pages

Feminisms and Cultural Critique

chapter 11|21 pages

Transcribing Feminism

Taiwanese Women’s Experiences

chapter 13|17 pages

The Story of Power and Desire

A Brighter Summer Day

chapter 14|15 pages

Between Bosses and Workers

The Dilemma of a Keen Observer and a Vocal Feminist

chapter 15|13 pages

Feminist Art in Taiwan

Textures of Reality and Dreams

part |54 pages

Conclusion

chapter 16|52 pages

Women’s Liberation Under “East Asian Modernity” in China and Taiwan

Historical, Cultural, and Comparative Perspectives