Rooted in History: Feminism in China the United States

1. Rooted in History:Feminism in China & the United States Elizabeth Koepp, Amanda Lee, Erin Long, Laura Murray, & Natasha Scearse

2. Abstract Women have grown from being defined to defining their own role in society. Most prominent through the American and Chinese cultures. Research how both groups of women came to the point they are at today. Over the course of history, women have grown from being defined by their role in society to actually defining the role itself. This phenomenon is most prominently exemplified through the American and Chinese cultures. For our Undergraduate Research project, we would like to further delve into this topic and discover the true sense of what it means to be a woman in former and present day China, and how this designated role simulates and contrasts that of women in the American society. We would like to present our findings in not only a scholastic manner, but also through an artistic design. By means of a metaphorical representation, we plan to depict the strong roots that women hold in both societies, the firm trunk they have created to stabilize all aspects of life, and ultimately the ideas that flourish from their existence and enrich each individual culture in their entirety. Over the course of history, women have grown from being defined by their role in society to actually defining the role itself. This phenomenon is most prominently exemplified through the American and Chinese cultures. For our Undergraduate Research project, we would like to further delve into this topic and discover the true sense of what it means to be a woman in former and present day China, and how this designated role simulates and contrasts that of women in the American society. We would like to present our findings in not only a scholastic manner, but also through an artistic design. By means of a metaphorical representation, we plan to depict the strong roots that women hold in both societies, the firm trunk they have created to stabilize all aspects of life, and ultimately the ideas that flourish from their existence and enrich each individual culture in their entirety.

3. Introductions United States 1950s � Standard Roles, But Changing Housekeeping & raising families Women entering the workplace (WWII) 1956: 35% of women were in the labor force. Limited positions China Pre-1949 Before Communist Party Serve the family Foot-binding Arranged marriages/ Affairs Dependent on the husband U.S.: The 1950�s- Standard Roles, But Changing. Housekeeping and raising a family were considered ideal female roles during the 1950s, although that standard was less rigid than in previous decades. With marriage and birthrates booming, women were becoming wives and mothers at unprecedented levels. But more women were entering the work place as well. During World War II women by the millions took factory jobs to make up for the domestic manpower shortage. After the war the number of working women dropped, but by 1950 it was climbing again, at the rate of a million a year. By 1956, 35 percent of all adult women were members of the labor force, and nearly a quarter of all married women were working. As A. W. Zelomek, president of the International Statistical Bureau, reported in A Changing America (1959), two out of five women with husbands and school-age children worked outside the home. However, working women had yet to attain many positions other than secretaries, teachers and other domestic in nature positions. China: Pre-1949 Before the Communist Party came to power in 1949, Chinese women played a minimal role in the functioning of society outside of the home for hundreds of years. They were, above all, to remain subordinate to their husbands and sons, and to serve their family faithfully. They were not economic contributors � the practice of foot binding ensured this, as it rendered them powerless to make financial contributions to the household. Marriages were arranged for the women, with a man from a family of equivalent or slightly higher status, so that the bride�s family would make financial gains from the union. In marriage, the husbands were allowed to have affairs, but the wife was expected to be faithful, even after her husband died, on penalty of death. Death � or suicide � was preferable to remarriage. Women were unable to fend for themselves without a husband because they were physically incapable of being a breadwinner, and because it was socially unacceptable. 1950s � �Women Hold Up Half the Sky� � China became a Communist under Mao Tse Tung in 1949 Government began to promote equality among the sexes with a 3-part strategy Addressing economic issues of Chinese women Marriage Law of 1950: women could choose their own spouse and obtain a divorce Land Act: land distributed in equal amounts among each family member, regardless of gender or age Integrating women into economic development The All-China Women�s Federation United women to participate in economic development, bring about social reform Failed to address root of issue � organized by men U.S.: The 1950�s- Standard Roles, But Changing. Housekeeping and raising a family were considered ideal female roles during the 1950s, although that standard was less rigid than in previous decades. With marriage and birthrates booming, women were becoming wives and mothers at unprecedented levels. But more women were entering the work place as well. During World War II women by the millions took factory jobs to make up for the domestic manpower shortage. After the war the number of working women dropped, but by 1950 it was climbing again, at the rate of a million a year. By 1956, 35 percent of all adult women were members of the labor force, and nearly a quarter of all married women were working. As A. W. Zelomek, president of the International Statistical Bureau, reported in A Changing America (1959), two out of five women with husbands and school-age children worked outside the home. However, working women had yet to attain many positions other than secretaries, teachers and other domestic in nature positions. China: Pre-1949 Before the Communist Party came to power in 1949, Chinese women played a minimal role in the functioning of society outside of the home for hundreds of years. They were, above all, to remain subordinate to their husbands and sons, and to serve their family faithfully. They were not economic contributors � the practice of foot binding ensured this, as it rendered them powerless to make financial contributions to the household. Marriages were arranged for the women, with a man from a family of equivalent or slightly higher status, so that the bride�s family would make financial gains from the union. In marriage, the husbands were allowed to have affairs, but the wife was expected to be faithful, even after her husband died, on penalty of death. Death � or suicide � was preferable to remarriage. Women were unable to fend for themselves without a husband because they were physically incapable of being a breadwinner, and because it was socially unacceptable. 1950s � �Women Hold Up Half the Sky� � China became a Communist under Mao Tse Tung in 1949 Government began to promote equality among the sexes with a 3-part strategy Addressing economic issues of Chinese women Marriage Law of 1950: women could choose their own spouse and obtain a divorce Land Act: land distributed in equal amounts among each family member, regardless of gender or age Integrating women into economic development The All-China Women�s Federation United women to participate in economic development, bring about social reform Failed to address root of issue � organized by men

4. The 1960s United States The Beginning of the End Jacqueline Kennedy The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedan Multiple acts created National Organization for Women Janis Joplin & Shirley Chisholm First National Women�s Liberation Conference in Chicago China Class Labels Hereditary class labels Negative associations with former landlord/wealthy peasant class US: In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy chairs President John F. Kennedy Jr�s commission on the Status of women. � In 1963- Betty Friedan�s book The Feminine Mystique is published, launching the modern women�s movement in the United States, detailed the " problem that has no name." Five million copies are sold by 1970, laying the groundwork for the modern feminist movement. Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, the first federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination. 1964, The Civil Rights Act is passed, banning discrimination on the basis of color race national origin religion or sex. In 1966, Betty Friedan and others found the National Organization for Women (NOW) to ensure equal rights for women. In 1968- Janis Joplin becomes the alternative pin up girl. �Shirley Chisholm of New York City becomes the first African American woman elected to Congress. The first national women's liberation conference is held in Chicago. � China: Hereditary class labels began to carry a great deal of weight Negative associations with former landlord/wealthy peasant class Individuals with a �counterrevolutionary� background viewed as bad prospects for marriage Women�s choices in marriage limited by family�s reputation Isolation of intermarriage among lower class and among upper class US: In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy chairs President John F. Kennedy Jr�s commission on the Status of women. � In 1963- Betty Friedan�s book The Feminine Mystique is published, launching the modern women�s movement in the United States, detailed the " problem that has no name." Five million copies are sold by 1970, laying the groundwork for the modern feminist movement. Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, the first federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination. 1964, The Civil Rights Act is passed, banning discrimination on the basis of color race national origin religion or sex. In 1966, Betty Friedan and others found the National Organization for Women (NOW) to ensure equal rights for women. In 1968- Janis Joplin becomes the alternative pin up girl. �Shirley Chisholm of New York City becomes the first African American woman elected to Congress. The first national women's liberation conference is held in Chicago. � China: Hereditary class labels began to carry a great deal of weight Negative associations with former landlord/wealthy peasant class Individuals with a �counterrevolutionary� background viewed as bad prospects for marriage Women�s choices in marriage limited by family�s reputation Isolation of intermarriage among lower class and among upper class

5. 1970s United States The Liberation Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) National Women�s Political Caucus Gloria Steinem & Billie Jean King Roe vs. Wade Little League Baseball opens to girls, 1974 Admitted into U.S. Military academies, 1976 China One-Family, One-Child Policy Established in 1979 Great effects on Chinese women U.S.: In 1970- The Equal Rights Amendment is reintroduced into Congress. In 1971- The National Women�s Political Caucus is founded in Washington; D.C 1972, Congress passes Title IX of the Education Amendments Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex by public schools. The ERA, which states that men and women should be treated equally by law, is passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. It falls three states short. � ��Gloria Steinem helps launch the first issue of Ms. magazine. 1973, ��The U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade guarantees a woman�s right to abortion. � ���Tennis champion Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in a �Battle of the Sexes� match In 1974- Little League baseball is opened to girls. In 1976- Women are admitted into U.S. military academies for the first time. �In 1978- An estimated 10,000 marchers descend on the capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, to demonstrate for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The Women�s Army Corps is dismantled as women are integrated into the U.S. Army. China: 1979 � One-Family, One-Child policy established Placed reproduction within realm of direct state intervention Families receive certificate entitling them to certain privileges after birth of first child Additional pregnancies/children require forced sterilization or an abortion Effect on Women Campaigns appeal to women�s sense of patriotism Policy implemented locally, by mainly female doctors and health workers Huge blow to self-esteem of females, because sons are valued more highly in single-child households Some daughters kept away from school to serve as cheap domestic laborers U.S.: In 1970- The Equal Rights Amendment is reintroduced into Congress. In 1971- The National Women�s Political Caucus is founded in Washington; D.C 1972, Congress passes Title IX of the Education Amendments Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex by public schools. The ERA, which states that men and women should be treated equally by law, is passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. It falls three states short. � ��Gloria Steinem helps launch the first issue of Ms. magazine. 1973, ��The U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade guarantees a woman�s right to abortion. � ���Tennis champion Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in a �Battle of the Sexes� match In 1974- Little League baseball is opened to girls. In 1976- Women are admitted into U.S. military academies for the first time. �In 1978- An estimated 10,000 marchers descend on the capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, to demonstrate for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The Women�s Army Corps is dismantled as women are integrated into the U.S. Army. China: 1979 � One-Family, One-Child policy established Placed reproduction within realm of direct state intervention Families receive certificate entitling them to certain privileges after birth of first child Additional pregnancies/children require forced sterilization or an abortion Effect on Women Campaigns appeal to women�s sense of patriotism Policy implemented locally, by mainly female doctors and health workers Huge blow to self-esteem of females, because sons are valued more highly in single-child households Some daughters kept away from school to serve as cheap domestic laborers

6. 1980s United States The Unstoppable Women Steps to delete sexual harassment. Sandra Day O�Connor & Sally Ride & Geraldine Ferraro Kirchberg vs. Feenstra Expiration of the ERA Change in military percentage China Nothing extremely important occurred during the 1980s to further Chinese women�s rights. US: In 1980-new guidelines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission prohibit sexual harassment. In 1981 Sandra Day O�Connor is named the first woman justice of the Supreme Court. In San Jose, California, a strike of city workers won salaries based on comparable worth for nearly 1500 women, a national first. Kirchberg vs. Feenstra overturned state laws designating a husband "head and master,� having unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife. � In 1982 - only 3 states short of ratification the ERA expires. In 1983- Sally Ride becomes the first U.S. woman in space. In 1984- Geraldine Ferraro becomes the first woman nominated by a major political party to run for vice president of the United States. In 1985- about 9 percent of officers and enlisted personnel in the armed forces are women, an increase from less than 2 percent in 1972. US: In 1980-new guidelines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission prohibit sexual harassment. In 1981 Sandra Day O�Connor is named the first woman justice of the Supreme Court. In San Jose, California, a strike of city workers won salaries based on comparable worth for nearly 1500 women, a national first. Kirchberg vs. Feenstra overturned state laws designating a husband "head and master,� having unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife. � In 1982 - only 3 states short of ratification the ERA expires. In 1983- Sally Ride becomes the first U.S. woman in space. In 1984- Geraldine Ferraro becomes the first woman nominated by a major political party to run for vice president of the United States. In 1985- about 9 percent of officers and enlisted personnel in the armed forces are women, an increase from less than 2 percent in 1972.

7. 1990s United States Cracking the Glass Ceiling Glass Ceiling Commission Success in the Olympics Take Our Daughters to Work Day Creation of many different acts WNBA China United Nations Fourth World Women�s Conference 1995 in Huajro 42 organizations in China U.S: In 1991-The U.S. Department of Labor establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to eliminate the barriers that block qualified women from advancements in the workplace. � In 1992- The 1992 election doubles the percentage of women in Congress; as a result, 1992 is dubbed the Year of the Woman Women win all five of the gold medals won by Americans during the winter Olympics. � In 1993- Young girls are introduced to the workplace as the Ms. Foundation for Women launches its first annual Take Our Daughters to Work Day, The Vietnam Women�s Memorial is erected in Washington, D.C and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Attorney General Janet Reno are appointed. � In 1993- The Family Medical Leave Act finally goes into effect. Vetoed by president Bush, it is the first bill signed by President Clinton. � In 1994- Congress adopts the Gender Equity in Education Act to train teachers, promote math and Science learning by girls, council pregnant teens, and prevent sexual harassment. The Violence Against Women Act is passed to combat gender-based violent crimes. � � In 1997 � Madeleine Albright is confirmed as the first woman U.S. secretary of state. ��U.S. Army General Claudia Kennedy becomes the first woman three-star general. ���The Women�s National Basketball Association (WNBA) debuts. Elaborating on Title IX, the Supreme Court rules that collage athletics programs must actively involve roughly equal numbers of men and women to qualify for federal support. China: 1990s � United Nations Fourth World Women�s Conference � 1995 � United Nations Fourth World Women�s Conference held in Huajro Currently about 42 organizations in China dedicated to promoting women�s causes Fight issues such as poverty, illiteracy, inequality in the workforce 95% of these were founded since 1995 as a result of this conference Promising success rate since 1995 � � U.S: In 1991-The U.S. Department of Labor establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to eliminate the barriers that block qualified women from advancements in the workplace. � In 1992- The 1992 election doubles the percentage of women in Congress; as a result, 1992 is dubbed the Year of the Woman Women win all five of the gold medals won by Americans during the winter Olympics. � In 1993- Young girls are introduced to the workplace as the Ms. Foundation for Women launches its first annual Take Our Daughters to Work Day, The Vietnam Women�s Memorial is erected in Washington, D.C and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Attorney General Janet Reno are appointed. � In 1993- The Family Medical Leave Act finally goes into effect. Vetoed by president Bush, it is the first bill signed by President Clinton. � In 1994- Congress adopts the Gender Equity in Education Act to train teachers, promote math and Science learning by girls, council pregnant teens, and prevent sexual harassment. The Violence Against Women Act is passed to combat gender-based violent crimes. � � In 1997 � Madeleine Albright is confirmed as the first woman U.S. secretary of state. ��U.S. Army General Claudia Kennedy becomes the first woman three-star general. ���The Women�s National Basketball Association (WNBA) debuts. Elaborating on Title IX, the Supreme Court rules that collage athletics programs must actively involve roughly equal numbers of men and women to qualify for federal support. China: 1990s � United Nations Fourth World Women�s Conference � 1995 � United Nations Fourth World Women�s Conference held in Huajro Currently about 42 organizations in China dedicated to promoting women�s causes Fight issues such as poverty, illiteracy, inequality in the workforce 95% of these were founded since 1995 as a result of this conference Promising success rate since 1995 � �

8. Conclusion China and the United States got to almost the exact same place in women�s rights but in completely different ways. While both societies experienced a great social change during the period from 1950 to modern society, China�s social changes made in favor of women were the result of the communist government�s legislation reform. The women�s liberation movement in the United States was the result of several prominent cultural icons and the popular media expressions of the time. It was through this media outlet that grass root movements began which resulted in the great social change that occurred in the United States. Ironically, while both countries chose a different tactic to achieve their social reform both countries ended in relatively the same level of gender equality at the end of the century. While both societies experienced a great social change during the period from 1950 to modern society, China�s social changes made in favor of women were the result of the communist government�s legislation reform. The women�s liberation movement in the United States was the result of several prominent cultural icons and the popular media expressions of the time. It was through this media outlet that grass root movements began which resulted in the great social change that occurred in the United States. Ironically, while both countries chose a different tactic to achieve their social reform both countries ended in relatively the same level of gender equality at the end of the century.

9. The End