INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

China has been focused on gender equality for ages. This approach, according to Wang and Klugman, has been based on the ‘Chinese women hold up half of the sky’ phrase by MAO Zedong (44). In the 1980s, albeit being an economically poor nation, China still indicated higher levels of women involvement in economic development in comparison to the majority of the middle-income nations in other regions, including the economically developed Europe then (Wang and Klugman 47). In comparison to the 61% showed by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development nations, China recorded a higher 84% female labour force participation during this timeline (the 1980s) (Wang and Klugman 47). In addition, Wroblewski argues that the gender wage gap within China was also lower, 16-22% in comparison to the US, 36-38% (165). In terms of women holding professional jobs in the market, China also showed a higher number of female workers within positions of authority in its labour market at 4% as opposed to the 6% showed by the OECD countries (Wroblewski 154). On the other hand, China also possessed a slightly higher education rate for women. For instance, the women completion rate for high school was 11% in China compared to the 10% across other middle-income nations.

The success of women incorporation within economic development is attributed to governmental involvement. According to Mandel, the national leadership showed increased support and involvement in promoting gender equality (7). Common approaches used by the government to support the social status and economic development of women included policy instruments such as legislative and constitutional reforms, political and ideological reforms, and the reliance on the centrally controlled system in remuneration and employment (Mandel 8). The Centrally controlled remuneration and employment system allowed the government to monitor the employment rates for both genders and make necessary policy and legislative amendments effectively (Liu 112). Within its legislative approaches is the 1954 constitutional amendment that allowed women equal rights in different societal facets including domestic, social, cultural, economic and political areas (Liu 108). In addition, multiple associated laws were promulgated including laws allowing women to own property, obtain a divorce, receive equal pay for equal work, and pursue formal education (Jha 5).

A key reason for the increased women participation in economic development and social status in the public sector domination of China’s economy. As per the sentiments of Jha, China adopted a centrally controlled system that allowed the equal pay for equal work principle to be adopted across the nation through centrally regulated wage systems which were upheld within all collective and state-owned work units (6). Besides, improved provision of social services including paid maternity leave, nursing rooms for breastfeeding and on-site childcare played an integral role in improving the social status of women within the nation (Liu 114). Within the centrally planned system. Women, employers and the state shared the reproductive responsibilities’ costs (Liu 112). On the contrary, Lulu and Bin argue that the majority of these social and economic changes were limited to the urban regions (131). Most of the women in rural regions had no access to equal pay and basic social services.

1.2 Rationale for Study

Currently, China operates within the upper-middle-income nation’s category. In addition to this, Liu contends that over the decades, major structural changes have occurred within the national economic structure (117). In comparison to the 1980s, gender equality rates, Liu argues that China has shown a decline in this aspect, a contrast to the projected numbers the nation had hoped to achieve within the current timeline (118). On the other hand, Lulu and Bin assert that not only have the earlier gender equality and increased women’s social status standards declined but as currently constructed, China currently falls below the international standards in women’s economic inclusion (131). In agreement, Wang and Klugman argue that the rise of China as a global economic power has had negative implications on women (51). Over the last three decades in which China has rapidly economically developed, an increase in gender discrimination within the labour market has been recorded, a widening in the gender pay gap has occurred and increased bias towards women on their leadership and rights to work at the workplace (Wang and Klugman 57). Consequently, there is an increased need to assess the extent to which economic development and social status for women has been affected.

1.3 Importance of study

The view of women on leadership, social status and rights to work within China’s economy has dwindled within the last half a century (Wang and Klugman 50). As a result, it is important to determine the current level of gender equality within this economically developing nation to act as a basis for legislative and political policy adoption. This study would be essential in determining the key steps that have caused the decline in gender equality within China. In comparison to the 1980s, the current economic development of this nation is very high (Liu, 114). Hypothetically, it would be assumed that economic development would lead to increased women inclusion within different governmental and economic facets. However, this has not been the case with China. Consequently, China can be used as a learning curve for most nations that are seeking to adopt the growth-focused development techniques that were adopted by China (Wang and Klugman 59). Results drawn from this study can help these nations make adjustments to China’s strategies to prevent a similar decline in gender equality in their pursuit of economic development similar to China.

1.4 Objectives

The objectives of this study are designed to help establish how gender inequalities contribute to unemployment rates in women and social structural changes in China. The study objectives include;

To determine why women, have a higher unemployment rate in China
To determine the policies and practices that promote gender inequality
To determine possible legislative and policy changes that can help reduce gender inequality in China

1.5 Research questions

This study sought to examine the effects of gender inequalities on women unemployment rates and the social status of women in China. To achieve this, the below research questions needed to be answered;

What are the current unemployment rates for women in China? What is the societal view of women and how has it impacted their lives?
What policies and practices have led to reduced gender equality in China?
What proposals can be adopted by China to amend the current state of gender equality?