Write an argumentative essay answering the question: How has the inconsistent portrayal of women by the Chinese government hindered the incorporation of female-written literature into cultural narratives and mainstream discourse?
Refined begging paragraphs already done:) just need to complete essay.
Introduction:
While exploring women’s roles in Chinese society it becomes clear that there is an intersection between tradition and modernity. This intersection holds regard to literature and the voices of women being constricted by societal and governmental ideals. Women’s lived experiences in China were in a constant state of turmoil and this resulted in a small representation of female writers and less conversation focused on gender issues in Chinese society. The inconsistent portrayal of women by the Chinese government has hindered the integration of female authors into cultural narratives and mainstream discourse by perpetuating gender stereotypes and restricting exposure and recognition.
Topic sentence: Traditional Perceptions of Women in Chinese Thought and Culture
Gender roles and restrictions
Representation of women in ancient Chinese literature
Body paragraph 1: the tension of the shifting from traditional to modern
As Chinese society transitions from traditional to modern ideals, the depiction of women by the government reflects tensions between Confucian ideals and female liberation. Women were often idealized for their adherence to Confucian virtues such as obedience, filial piety, and chastity, while also being constrained by restrictive gender roles and practices as highlighted in Larsons Women and Writing in Modern China. These societal limitations and expectations placed on women encouraged gender roles and hindered the incorporation of female-written literature into cultural narratives and mainstream discourse by reinforcing narrow and outdated stereotypes.
Historical text to highlight societal limitations and expectations of women.
Body paragraph 2:
The incorporation of women, literature, and the rise of feminism in China was halted due to the inconsistent portrayal of women by the Chinese government. Women in ancient Chinese literature were often depicted through art and poetry as symbols of virtue and beauty. While some pieces of literature portrayed women with power and intelligence, others reinforced traditional gender norms and stereotypes as explained in Larson, Wendy. Women and Writing in Modern China. Stanford University Press, 1998. Despite this, the emergence of feminist ideals and movements in ancient China became prominent in advocating for change through literature. The representation of women in literature goes beyond just poetry. For example, in Grant, The Red Brush: Writing Women of Imperial China, he showcases various experiences and perspectives however, female written literature was often faced with crisis and backlash. This mirrors the government’s resistance to challenging traditional gender roles and narratives.
Body paragraph 3: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/interface/zaker/1143605/2017-03-08/cd_28475522.html (WOEN IN LITERATURE)
Women in ancient China did not enjoy the status, either social or political, afforded to men.
Expected to remain within the inner chambers of the family home, they had only a very limited freedom of movement. (in regard to literature)
Within the home, women did have significant responsibilities which included management of the household finances and the education of their children, but this did not mean they were the head of the family home.
Something is, but in the meantime, it isn’t. The connection between A and B, the dynamic, complexity, and tension between A and B
A- Chinese government
B- women
Conclusion:
The inconsistent portrayal of women by the Chinese government has significantly hindered the inclusion of female-written literature into cultural narratives and mainstream discourse. By encouraging narrow gender stereotypes and limiting the exposure of female authors, progress toward inclusive literature was halted.
Bibliography:
Wang, Robin. Images of Women in Chinese Thought and Culture: Writings from the Pre-Qin Period Through the Song Dynasty. Edited by Robin Wang, Hackett Publishing Company, 2003.
This literary piece explains Chinese perceptions of women and their societal functions, addressing themes such as human nature, cosmology, gender, and moral principles.
Larson, Wendy. Women and Writing in Modern China. Stanford University Press, 1998.
She reiterates the history of feminism by explaining that women were often idealized for their adherence to Confucian virtues such as obedience, filial piety, and chastity, while also being constrained by restrictive gender roles and practices.
Idema, Wilt L., and Beata
Grant. The Red Brush:Writing Women of Imperial China. Harvard University Asia Center, 2004.
This piece of text shows the incorporation of women into literature and the uprise of feminism in ancient China.“This anthology differs from previous works by offering a glimpse of women’s writings not only in poetry but in other genres as well, including essays and letters, drama, religious writing, and narrative fiction.”
Tang, Qiaomei. 2016. Divorce and the Divorced Woman in Early Medieval China (First Through Six Century). Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
In early ancient China, there was a notable disparity between societal norms and women’s lived experiences, particularly regarding marriage and divorce. “Divorce was not regarded as a social taboo in early medieval China.”
Dawson, R. The Chinese Experience. Phoenix Press – Orion, 2017.
Dillon, M. China. Routledge, 1998.
Ebrey, P.B. East Asia. Wadsworth Publishing, 2013.
Feng, L. Early China. Cambridge University Press, 2013.
Lewis, M.E. The Early Chinese Empires. Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press, 2010.
Rossabi, M. A History of China. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013.
Assessed Outcome:
Reasoning: you have a concise reasoning structures that demonstrates the liminality and complexity of the discussed issue
Global Mindset: you provide unique view and critical analysis of the discussed issue which contributed new ways of global thinking