research paper

Running Head: LACK OF WOMEN IN CHINA’S POLITICS 1

Lack of Women in China’s Politics

Sinan Ruan

Dr Judith Audin

CHES5135

LACK OF WOMEN IN CHINA’S POLITICS ! 2

Lack of Women in China’s Politics

Introduction

China has never elected a female president, not have it had any woman serve on the

Standing Committee that makes the critical decisions about running the country since the

Communist party rose to power in 1949. Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic,

suggested that ‘women hold up half of the sky' and since then there have been a few women in a

high level of politics in China.

Thesis: China continues to exclude women in their political processes due to various reasons that

see women as unfit for high-level political offices.

Body

One of the reasons for the lack of women in Chinese politics is a discrimination policy

(Xiajuan & Lijun, 2017). Discrimination remains a common phenomenon even though China’s

constitution advocates for gender equity. The current retirement policy necessitates that females

serving as public servants retire up to ten years earlier than males. For government workers, the

mandatory retirement age for women would be 50-55 while men at 60. Experts thus argue that

this age gap propels that notion that women are physically incapable of working for more

prolonged periods like men and discourages employers from hiring females for long-term

positions. The factor applies to fewer opportunities for a woman who seeks advancement in the

Chinese political arena since the height of power is always attainable when approaching 60s.

Typically, there are a lot of civil servant women, but they do not have ample time to work their

ways up the Chinese government as men.

LACK OF WOMEN IN CHINA’S POLITICS ! 3

Besides, women are stereotyped as unfit to rule. Chinese history is deeply rooted in the

lack of trust among women. The general public, as well as politicians, always refer to examples

that had been set by three most powerful females in Chinese history. They were Empress Wu

Zetian, Jian GIng (wife to Mao Zedong, former Communist leader), and Dowager Cixi who are

said to have dragged the country down (Xiajuan & Lijun, 2017). Besides, culture plays a

significant role as an obstacle that compounds women involvement in Chinese politics. Thriving

Chinese male-dominated politics implies that one plays by the rules. It entails drinking large

‘Baiju" amounts, a clear, highly alcoholic grain spirit, which is used for formal meetings and

banquets. It is a position that places women in a dilemma, since if they drink they will be judged

for failing to keep a modest lifestyle. Also, if they refuse, they will be expelled from the political

mingling and thus miss opportunities to gain influence by making connections.

Also, women do not form part of the Presidential programs. The president, Xi Jinping,

promised the UN Women $10 million to be used in the gender equality and empowerment of

women. However, despite such a step and talking about enhancing women's political

participation, there have been no concrete actions taken to support such an initiative (Xiajuan &

Lijun, 2017). Chinese women need to be empowered by the barriers that prevent them from

attaining equal political treatment. However, such a change cannot come quickly since the

Chinese society has placed pressure on female to follow traditional paths. Instead of engaging in

political and leadership matters, they should stick to housekeeping roles.

Conclusion

In summary, women in China continue to face political rejection. The major contributing

factors for this political dilemma include obstacles presented by culture, discrimination policies,

LACK OF WOMEN IN CHINA’S POLITICS ! 4

unfit to rule stereotype and lack of women inclusivity in Presidential programs. Chinese politics

has only had few women in high-level politics.

LACK OF WOMEN IN CHINA’S POLITICS ! 5

Reference

Xiajuan, G., & Lijun, Y. A. N. G. (2017). Women's political participation in China. In Changing

State-Society Relations in CONTEMPORARY CHINA (pp. 249-265).