Making sense of changes in education social justice and equity for women in China

This chapter reviews the historical background of the lowly status of Chi-nese women, the culture that deprived them of their rights to an education, and the subsequent inequality and social injustice. It investigates changes in education and improvements in social justice and equity for women over the last 100 years and reveals unique historical, social, and cultural contexts that promote the improvements. The impact of a collective and high power dis-tance Chinese culture and the effect of authoritarian style of government on Chinese women are elaborated. The chapter seeks to make sense from cul-tural perspectives as to why extraordinary changes for women have taken place in China, especially since 1949. In addition, it critiques the pitfalls of such culture and government policies that potentially jeopardize social jus-tice and equity for women. The new challenges facing Chinese women in education, equity, and social justice in a capitalist economy in the 21st century are also identified