36th Annual Student Research Conference
The evolution of women’s social status in the family in the twentieth century examined through Chinese films
Nirapada Rengsomboon*, Vicky Yan, Lia J. Uhlenhuth, and Gretchen M. Vohsen
Dr. Zhijun Wen, Faculty Mentor
The role of women in China rapidly changed throughout the twentieth century as a result of events such as the end of dynastic rule and the founding of the People's Republic of China. This has led to women holding the same significance as men, a cultural shift which was codified into a law that guaranteed equal rights in society. Zhang Yimou’s film Raise the Red Lantern shows the limitations experienced by women in a traditional household during the warlord era of Chinese history. To Live, another of Zhang’s works exhibits a subsequent era of Chinese history, showing how during the cultural revolution, the participation of women in society had expanded to a more active role. Zhang’s film Coming Home shows the latest evolution of women’s integration into Chinese society. Using the work of director Zhang Yimou, we look at the shift in the societal role of women in Chinese culture.
Keywords: Women, People's Republic of China, Social Status, Traditional
Topic(s):Asian Studies
Chinese
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 106-3
Location: SUB 3202
Time: 9:00