ABSTRACT
Modernization began in Western countries, which historically have sought and continue to seek both economic and cultural hegemony over the underdeveloped world. As Tani Barlow points out, “Colonialism and modernity are indivisible features of the history of industrial capitalism.” The history of Chinese women’s struggles for liberation since the nineteenth century holds a special place in the mythology of Western feminism. In fact, Rey Chow argues, Westerners discursively constructed “China” as a feminized space from which to critique the West. Improvements in health care and education greatly benefited the populace. Modern hygienic standards were introduced and many contagious diseases were brought under control. Gender inequalities in educational access for rural girls have been exacerbated by the reforms.
