현대 중국 여성학의 선구자, 리샤오장(李小江)의 사상과 유산

Abstract

With the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Mao Zedong implemented laws and policies to liberate women from the oppression of traditional patriarchal systems. However, in exchange for this “liberation,” women were compelled to erase their individual identities and transform into “Iron Women,” indistinguishable from men. The history of this form of women’s liberation began to be critically examined during the 1980s, an era marked by the fervor of ideological liberation following China’s shift to reform and opening-up policies. At the forefront of this critical reflection was Li Xiaojiang, a scholar who led feminist discourse during this period. Li Xiaojiang’s philosophy, however, has received mixed evaluations. Her essentialist perspective, which emphasizes biological differences between men and women, and her optimistic view of state-led modernization despite the sharp decline in women’s social status during the reform era, have both sparked significant debate. Particularly, her assertion that women’s essence is rooted in undeniable biological differences contrasts with the postmodern feminist perspective, widely accepted today, which argues that gender traits are neither natural nor fixed. This makes her views less relatable in contemporary feminist discourse. Nevertheless, the path Li Xiaojiang pursued represents a distinctively Chinese approach to women’s studies, separate from Western frameworks. Her work offers a foundation for critically reflecting on the tendency of modern feminist ideologies and other “isms” to oversimplify complex realities or confine them to rigid interpretations. Focusing on these contributions, this study examines the significance and limitations of Li Xiaojiang’s essentialist feminism within the historical context of contemporary China. It explores the trajectory of Chinese women’s studies as shaped by her ideas and practices while considering the challenges and future directions of the field.