Gender Inequalities

Navigating Gender Inequalities in China

Constitutional Guarantees and Complex Realities

Official Stand:

• China's constitution officially guarantees women "equal rights with men in all spheres of life."
• This reflects Mao's maxim that "women hold up half the sky."

Global Gender Gap Ranking:

• China ranks 106th in the global gender gap rankings (IMF working paper, 2021).
• Indicates existing challenges in achieving gender equality.

Progress in Healthcare and the Impact of Government Policies

Healthcare Advancements:

• Extensive efforts to extend healthcare benefits, including specific policies for women like cancer screenings and antenatal care.
• Resulted in increased life expectancy for women from 73 in 2000 to 76 in 2018.

Hukou System Impact:

• The Hukou system is designed to deter rural-to-urban migration impacts on women.
• Restricts welfare and healthcare entitlements to the region of origin, influencing career choices and family decisions.

Demographic Impacts of Gender Inequality

One-Child Policy Legacy:

• Introduction in the 1970s aimed at controlling population growth.
• Societal preference for boys led to the abortion of female foetuses.

Gender Imbalance:

• Despite the end of the one-child policy, a gender imbalance persists.
• Over 30 million more men than women in the country.
• Recognised by authorities as a societal problem with implications for family formation.

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Gender Inequalities

Conclusion: Navigating Complex Realities

While constitutional guarantees affirm gender equality, the complex interplay of government policies, healthcare advancements, and demographic legacies present ongoing challenges. The Hukou system's impact on women's career choices and the enduring gender imbalance underscore the multifaceted nature of gender inequalities in China. Navigating these complexities requires ongoing efforts towards comprehensive societal transformation.