From Mao to managerialism : women, economics and equity in China today

![CDATA[The economic and social status of women in China can be considered in terms of three historical periods. The first reflects over two millenia of Confucian culture and patriarchy when the gap between two genders was seen as infinite. The second stage (1949 to 1978), represents the Chinese Communist goal to promote equity and eliminate social differences between men and women. The third stage from 1978 is the current era of economic reforms. The paper analyses the historical and political factors affecting the economic and social status of women in terms of these three historical periods, concluding that although the economic and social status of women continues to rise in China, the gap in career opportunities available for men and women shows little sign of narrowing. In a society where men are traditionally regarded as superior, the economic reforms actually undercut women's status by withdrawing state assistance and increasing gender-based inequality. Both primary and secondary data sources are utilised to describe the current position of women in management roles, a privileged class compared to other women in the workforce. Survey data was collected from 316 managers, both women and men undertaking MBA studies in Guangzhou in southern China during 2003 and 2004. Data on interview and focus group disussions with a sample of 85 Chinese women business managers was also included. The research attempts to apply gender history and theory to the current working day reality of middle to senior level women managers in China. After focusing on women's opinions and experience in the interview and focus group study, the researchers also covered the experience and organisational issues of male managers to minimise any potential bias, and maximise validity and reliability. Strategies developed through interview and focus group data to advance women's employment in China are explored.]]