Gender and Employment in Rural China

This book sheds light on the complicated effects that economic progression brings on the rural agricultural population in four villages. It closely analyses employment choices, and the economic and social factors which affect vocational opportunities in the Bei, Su, Ning and Yi villages. In studying these villages, this study highlights two dimensions of development contexts – of industrialization and urbanization.

With China’s rapid advancements in urbanization and industrialization, there has been significant labor movement away from agriculture in the rural regions. Using four village case studies, Song examines how this restructuring process affects the rural population.

Much of her research is centered on their various perceptions and reactions towards the market reforms. How are their lives reshaped through the employment transition? Along with the changes of family life and the diversification of development models, how do an individual’s gender and background play a role in determining employment? These are the broad questions that Song addresses through detailed analysis of four different villages, in light of China’s move towards decentralization of its rural economy.