Leftover women in China: a narrative study of the state, family, and gender relations

Li, Yaqi (2024). Leftover women in China: a narrative study of the state, family, and gender relations. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis provides a qualitative research study conducted through narrative interviews with women in China who are commonly referred to as “leftover women”. The term sheng nü (“leftover women”) was initially coined by the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) in 2007 to categorise single women aged over 27. The thesis highlights the conflicts faced by Chinese women, as many single women have attained career success and accomplishments comparable to those of men during the modernisation period; however, despite these achievements, single women continue to face derogation, discrimination, and social stigma in public discourse due to their unmarried status. Conducting research on “leftover women” under the theoretical framework of individualisation, detraditionalisation, pure love, self-identity, neoliberalism, and gender theory has proven to be a productive approach to gaining a deeper understanding of the concept’s critique and shedding light on the expectations, anxieties, and pressures experienced by women regarding their societal status. This thesis offers an original contribution to these debates by exploring how Chinese single women made life choices and constructed self-identity under the impact of current social policies, parental expectations, Chinese traditional cultures, heterosexual and patriarchal norms. I present my findings from narrative interviews carried out with women aged 27–40 from major cities in China. The data analysis is organised based on three main topics: state, family, and gender relations. This thesis argues that while Chinese single women have achieved greater autonomy and freedom in their public lives, thanks to improved educational and career opportunities, their choice-making and construction of self-identity in their private lives still rely on institutions and traditions, and remain closely intertwined with China’s economic, social, political, and cultural environment.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):