Image:People's Republic of China (orthographic projection).svg|thumb|150px|
China is highlighted on the world globe.
The study of the
impact of globalization on women in China examines the role and status of Chinese women relative to the political and cultural changes that have taken place in the 20th century as a consequence of
globalization. Globalization refers to the interaction and integration of people, products, cultures and governments between various nations around the globe; this is fostered by
trade,
investment, and
information technology. Globalization affected women's rights and the gender hierarchy in China, in aspects of domestic life such as marriage and
primogeniture, as well as in the workplace. These changes altered the quality of life and the availability of opportunities to women at different junctures throughout the modern globalization process.
The dynamics of gender inequity are correlated with the ideological principles held by the ruling political regime. The
imperial era (221-206 BCE) was dominated by the social paradigm of
Confucianism, which was a pervasive philosophy throughout the
Orient. Confucian ideals emphasized
morality,
character, social relationship, and the
status quo. Confucius preached
jen (humanity) and the equality and educability of all people; Neo-Confucianists and Imperial leaders used his beliefs in social hierarchy, particularly in the family setting, for the physical and social oppression of women. As the Chinese government began to re-assimilate themselves into the global community in the late 19th to early 20th century, it shifted away from conventional Confucian ideals and women’s role in society changed as well. After
Mao Zedong established the
People’s Republic of China in 1949, a change in traditional gender roles came about. Mao’s death marked the beginning of the current
communist administration and an influx of international communications in the areas of commerce, politics and social ideals. Since the 1980s, under the new communist party, the women’s rights movement has gained momentum and has become a national issue and a sign of
modernization.
Image:Crowded Nanjing Road in Shanghai.jpeg|thumb|200px|A crowded street in
China reflecting many other crowded cities in the world, which shows the effects of globalization.
In rural areas, women traditionally work alongside their family to produce crops like tea and rice. In urban areas, women work in factories, living away from home. Most of these factory workers are young girls that send their income to their families. To help maintain the rights of women in factories, labor unions and organizations were built. In their homes, women take care of their children and cook.
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