The impact of economic development on rural
women in ChinaThis is the old United Nations University website. Visit the new site at http://unu.edu
The impact of economic development on rural
women in China
All-China Women's Federation
© The United Nations University, 1993
A report of the United Nations University Household, Gender, and Age Project
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.
The map of China is provided for general orientation; the boundaries shown do not imply official endorsement.
The United Nations University, 53-70 Jingumae
5-chome,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150, Japan
Telephone (03) 3499-2811 Fax (03) 3499-2828 Telex J25442
Cable UNATUNIV TOKYO
Typeset by Asco Trade Typesetting Limited, Hong
Kong
Printed by Permanent Typesetting and Printing Co., Ltd., Hong
Kong
Cover design by Takashi Suzuki
UNUP-812
ISBN 92-808-0812-5
United Nations Sales No. E92.III.A.2
02800 P
The United Nations University is an organ of the United Nations established by the General Assembly in 1972 to be an international community of scholars engaged in research, advanced training, and the dissemination of knowledge related to the pressing global problems of human survival, development, and welfare. Its activities focus mainly on peace and conflict resolution, development in a changing world, and science and technology in relation to human welfare. The University operates through a worldwide network of research and postgraduate training centres, with its planning and coordinating headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Note to the reader from the UNU
Analysis of the impact of macro-events on women and the role of women in determining changes in the household is important for a better understanding of society. In conducting such an analysis, the adoption of a life-course approach, both retrospectively and perspectively, is particularly useful as a way to identify changing relationships among individuals within the same household and the long-term implications that these changes have for the structure of society.
On this basis, the Household, Gender, and Age Project of the United Nations University conducted a series of case studies in Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka between 1983 and 1988. After introducing the context and objectives of the project in China and describing its research activities and the methodology adopted, this volume presents a synthesis of the research results.
1. Agricultural development and the changing status and roles of rural women in China
2.1 Objectives
2.2 The field locations
2.3 Research process, methodology, and instruments
3. Analysis of the field survey findings
3.1 Changes in women's formal education
3.2 Adult education for woman
3.3 The impact of economic development on rural women's occupational structure
3.4 The impact of economic development on rural women's income
3.5 Changes in the marriage situation
3.6 Home relocation
3.7 Childbirth, family planning, and mother and child health care
3.8 Family structure
3.9 Family relationships
3.10 Intergenerational relations of elderly women
3.11 Leisure time
3.12 Changes in women's value concepts, aspirations, and ideals
Conclusions and suggestions for decision makers
Appendix 1. General survey form
Appendix 2. Findings from the general survey
Appendix 3. Quantitative questionnaire
Appendix 4. Life-history matrix