Developing Women's Studies at Universities in China : (Research, Curriculum and Institution)

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The paper focus on the three aspects to:
1) Review the history and development and describe the current situation of Women's Studies in China. It sprouts from the open & reform policy in 1980s, so Women's Studies in China does not focus on curriculum development in higher education, but emphasize applied research projects. This situation did not change until the beginning of 21st Century. There are four main impetuses which working together to push the development of Women's Studies: a) the joint initiative efforts of feminist scholars in China and overseas; b) the financial support from international foundations. Ford Foundation, particularly, was been playing a significant role in the development of Women's Studies in China; from Ford Foundation; c) The demand from students, especially female students,; d) the support and advocacy from The Women's Federation. At present, Women's Studies in mainland China are still in its early stage of development. As for the profound dialogue within the discipline, it requires long-range difficult exploration and cultural criticism. Inconsistency in the theory and concepts, the good and bad being intermingled in the curriculm.
2) Taking the project "Develop the Women's and Gender Studies in China" as a case, to explore the unique experiences and development of Women's Studies in Chinese context.
3) Point out the difficulties we are facing in our future development. Chinese Women's Studies scholars come to see more clearly the significance, aims and tasks born and carried out by Women's Studies curriculum, research and institutions.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• History and Status of Women's Studies in China
• I. History
• II. Status quo: naming and operation-diverse strategies on promulgation of Women's Studies
• The Project "Develop Women and Gender Studies in China" : A Case of the Development of Women's Studies in China
• I. Basic information
• II. Operation and Achievements
• Women's Studies in China: Challenges and Strategies
• 1. Still weak when facing resistance
• 2. The theory confusion of Women's and Gender Studies
• 3. Bottleneck of institution and mechanism
• Therefore, we should
• 1. Strengthen the research and training
• 2. Expand the fruits of women's studies and social impacts
• 3. Build network and service institutions
• 4. Diversify the mainstream strategies
• References