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Performing Feminism Motivations of Young Feminist Activists in China

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Performing Feminism Motivations of Young Feminist Activists in China LUND UNIVERSITY • CENTRE FOR EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIAN STUDIES Performing Feminism Motivations of Young Feminist Activists in China Author: Madelene Trang Supervisor: Annika Pissin Master’s Programme in Asian Studies Spring semester 2015 Abstract China’s women’s movement is currently being reignited by diverse groups of young feminist activists. Given China’s authoritarian environment, these activists have condemned institutionalized efforts to achieve gender equality and instead adopted a non- institutionalized approach through performance art, such as theatre and singing. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference and sets the stage for reviving the discussions on women rights in China. Yet, a recent event of arresting and detaining some activists shows the risks involved of highlighting current gender inequalities. The aim of this study is to explore the motivations behind the movement. With data collected from semi-structured interviews with group members and academics, together with various observations, it aims to identify the motivation of these young feminist activists. While personal experiences act as a driver to become engaged, it is found that high levels of solidarity and group dynamics are highly significant in sustaining the movement. Through eclectic and non-institutionalized demonstrations, and thereby putting their own safety at risk, the group of activists has become more vocal in China’s society. ii Acknowledgements This thesis is a capstone of my two years at the master program in Asian Studies at Lund University including my fieldwork in Beijing. I would first like to express my sincerest gratitude to Birgit Rausing Language program for believing in my project and awarding me their Chinese scholarship, the Sociology department at Lund University for the Minor Field Studies and NIAS for the valuable comments and response to my ideas for this project. I would also like to express my greatest appreciation to: my contact person who has been a key person throughout this whole project, the brave feminist group for welcoming me into their space, my mentor in Beijing for giving me her limited time and finally my very patient, supportive and encouraging supervisor Annika for her invaluable advice, discussions and for steering me in the right direction in the completion of this thesis, thank you! Last but not the least, this thesis would not have been possible without the indispensable support and love from family and friends. Namely my sisters Jeanette and Nathalie for their loving support and encouragement, my Kees who has been with me from the very start and throughout this journey supported and motivated me, and finally, all the amazing friends in Lund. iii Abbreviations ACWF All-China Women Federation CCP Chinese Communist Party FUNCW 1995 Fourth UN World Conference on Women NGO Non-Governmental Organization NSM New Social Movement iv Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. iii Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... v Prologue: The 6-7 March Crackdown ................................................................................... vii 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Research Problem ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Definition of Feminism .................................................................................................. 1 1.3 Relevance ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Context of the Research ................................................................................................. 3 1.5 Motivation of Location ................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................ 5 1.7 Disposition ..................................................................................................................... 5 2. Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Methodological Considerations ...................................................................................... 6 2.2 Research Design ............................................................................................................. 6 2.2.1 Case Study ............................................................................................................... 7 2.2.2 Participatory Observer ............................................................................................. 7 2.2.3 Interviews ................................................................................................................ 9 2.4 Research Criteria .......................................................................................................... 10 2.5 Challenges, Limitations and Critical Approach ........................................................... 11 2.6 Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................. 12 3. Theoretical Framework ...................................................................................................... 13 3.1 New Social Movements Theory ................................................................................... 13 3.2 Garlough’s Feminist Activist and Performance Theory ............................................... 13 3.3 Applying the Framework .............................................................................................. 15 4. Literature Review ............................................................................................................... 17 v 4.1 A Half-Liberated and Unfinished Protest ..................................................................... 17 4.2 Persisting issues in Gender Equality ............................................................................ 19 4.3 Institutionalized Efforts ................................................................................................ 21 4.4 Non-Institutionalized Activism and Protest ................................................................. 22 4.5 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 24 5. Empirical Discussion ......................................................................................................... 25 5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 25 5.2 The Feminist Group ..................................................................................................... 25 5.2.1 General Characteristics .......................................................................................... 25 5.2.2 Group Members ..................................................................................................... 25 5.2.3 Activities ............................................................................................................... 26 5.2.5 Organisation .......................................................................................................... 26 5.3 Motivations and Personal Considerations .................................................................... 27 5.3.1 Discussing the Meaning of Feminism ................................................................... 27 5.3.2 Becoming Involved ............................................................................................... 28 5.3.3 Aims for Change ................................................................................................... 29 5.3.4 Provoking Change ................................................................................................. 30 5.4 Responses ..................................................................................................................... 32 5.5 Challenges .................................................................................................................... 34 5.6 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 34 6. Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 35 6.1 Personal Motivations .................................................................................................... 35 6.2 Crafting a Non-Institutionalized Space for Protest and Empowerment ....................... 37 6.3 Eclectic Forms of Demonstration ................................................................................. 38 7. Conclusion .........................................................................................................................
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