3.3

• What was the status of women in China when Mao took power in 1949?

  Women were considered the property of their father and then their husband.
• How were widows treated in 1949 China?

  Widows were under the control of their eldest sons.
• What was the societal view on the birth of daughters in 1949 China?

  The birth of a daughter was regarded as a costly expense.
• What was a common practice regarding female infants in 1949 China?

  Infanticide was common.
• What was the educational status of girls in 1949 China?

  Girls received little education.
• What was the typical age for girls to enter arranged marriages in 1949 China?

  Girls were pushed into arranged marriages when they were teenagers.
• What financial obligation did potential husbands have in 1949 China?

  Potential husbands were forced to pay a dowry.
• What rights did women lack in 1949 China?

  Women could not own property, vote, or divorce their husbands.
• What was one way powerful men could have relationships with women in 1949 China?

  Women could be kept as concubines.
• What were the main changes introduced by the Marriage Law of 1950?


  1. Arranged marriage banned
  2. Minimum age of marriage raised to 18 for women and 20 for men
  3. Keeping concubines forbidden
  4. Both men and women could request a divorce
  5. Anyone in an arranged marriage could divorce their partner
  6. Women given equal property rights
  7. Infanticide was forbidden
• What was the impact of the Marriage Law on arranged marriages?

  Arranged marriages and the exchange of gifts continued, particularly in rural areas.
• How were divorced women treated after the Marriage Law was introduced?

  Divorced women were treated like outcasts.
• What change occurred regarding infanticide after the Marriage Law was introduced?

  Cases of infanticide reduced.
• What was the average age of marriage after the Marriage Law was implemented?


  The average age of marriage increased.
• What contraceptive measures were introduced in 1954?

  Contraceptives were introduced.
• What resistance was faced regarding contraceptives in rural areas?

  There was resistance to contraceptives, particularly in rural areas.
• How did childbirth change after the introduction of trained midwives?

  Childbirth became safer due to trained midwives.
• What was the increase in the proportion of women in the workforce from 1949 to the mid-1960s?

  The proportion of women in the workforce increased from 8% to 29%.
• What change occurred in women's literacy levels during this period?

  Literacy levels increased.
• What extreme measure did husbands resort to during the famine?

  Husbands resorted to wife selling during the famine.
• How did women's political participation change by 1953?

  Women's participation in politics increased, with 12% of elected deputies being women.
• Who were the first women to hold ministerial positions in China?

  The first Minister of Health and Justice were both women.
• What was the general attitude of men towards women's roles in politics?

  Men opposed women having all but a small role in politics.