Gender in Modern East Asia

by Barbara Molony

Gender in Modern East Asia explores the history of women and gender in China, Korea, and Japan from the seventeenth century to the present. This unique volume treats the three countries separately within each time period while also placing them in global and regional contexts. Its transnational and integrated approach connects the cultural, economic, and social developments in East Asia to what is happening across the wider world. The text focuses specifically on the dynamic histories of sexuality; gender ideology, discourse, and legal construction; marriage and the family; and the gendering of work, society, culture, and power. Important themes and topics woven through the text include Confucianism, writing and language, the role of the state in gender construction, nationalism, sexuality and prostitution, New Women and Modern Girls, feminisms, "comfort" women, and imperialism. Accessibly written and comprehensive, Gender in Modern East Asia is a much-needed contribution to the study of the region.

Genres: Gender, History, Feminism, Asia, Nonfiction

554 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Barbara Molony is Professor of History at Santa Clara University.

Reviews

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. I thought the final chapter was rather short considering all the huge changes in the 21st century and it felt like many things weren't mentioned or forgotten about compared to how detailed previous chapters were. So it was almost like the ending was rushed. But a very interesting book and a very useful overview for those interested in this subject and feminism in East Asia in particular.