Gender and Employment in Rural China

With China's rapid advancements in urbanization and industrialization, there has been significant labor movement away from agriculture in the rural regions. Using four village case studies, Song examines how this restructuring process affects the rural population. Much of her research is centered on their various perceptions and reactions towards the market reforms. How are their lives reshaped through the employment transition? Along with the changes of family life and the diversification of development models, how do an individual's gender and background play a role in determining employment? These are the broad questions that Song addresses through detailed analysis of four different villages, in light of China's move towards decentralization of its rural economy.

Jing Song is Assistant Professor at Gender Studies Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements Preface Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Peasant Question and Gender Question Chapter 3 Bei Village: Rural Industries and Private Businesses Chapter 4 Su Village: Collective Legacy and the "New Socialist Countryside" Chapter 5 Han Village: Urban Dream, Tied Migration and Male Bonding Chapter 6 Ning Village: Integrated or Marginalized in Urbanization Chapter 7 Conclusion Index