24th Annual Student Research Conference
The Characteristics of a Good Woman in The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices
Ki'ara D. Cross
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices, author and British-Chinese journalist, Xinran shares with the reader stories of women's life experiences in Communist China. In the 1980s, under government regulation, Xinran was allowed to host a radio talk show for women to call her. The interviews embody the perspectives of women in Communist China who now ask questions about their rights and sufferings. Throughout, we get the impression that these women wanted nothing more than to be "good". I ask the question, who defines what is good? In the chapter, "What Chinese Women Believe", Xinran poses questions such as, what philosophy do women have? what constitutes happiness for a woman? and what makes a "good woman"? This paper will explore and challenge the definition of a good woman and the role it has played in the stories throughout the book.
Keywords: Women, Society, Roles, Voices, Xinran, Regulation, China, Inequality
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 39-3
Location: VH 1408
Time: 3:15