Chinese Modernity and Socialist Feminist Theory

This book assembles translations of the work of leading critical socialist feminist Song Shaopeng, presenting a concise narrative which theorizes China’s political and social development through a gendered lens.

Providing insightful editor introductions, the book explores poignant themes from the late imperial to the contemporary eras to examine the evolution of Chinese socialist feminism. This includes analysis of the relationship between the party-state and the women’s movement, the gains and losses of collectivism for women’s liberation, and the inadequacy of contemporary gender studies in China at addressing the ongoing influence of political economy on the lives of women in China.

Offering a succinct exploration of the historical and theoretical context of Song Shaopeng’s writings, this book will be a valuable resource for students and scholars of Chinese history and politics, as well as those of Chinese feminism and intellectual history.

Song Shaopeng is Professor in the Department of Communist Party History at Renmin University in Beijing, China.

Sharon R. Wesoky is Arthur E. Braun Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, USA.