State feminism with Chinese characteristics: The inextricable link between women’s political representation and political episteme in contemporary China (2013–2023)

Abstract

This article examines the complex dynamics of state feminism in contemporary China (2013–2023) focusing on the paradoxical relationship between polemical narratives of gender equality and constraints on women's political representation. By tracing the historical evolution of Chinese state feminism, which strategically employs feminist rhetoric to emphasise male-female equality within a socialist context, the article highlights the role of the state-sponsored All China-Women’s Federation (ACWF) in its relation to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) and other more independent feminist voices. While the CCP claims commitment to women's empowerment, because of its roots in socialist values and traditional gender roles they emphasise family values and neo-familism, which can inadvertently create patriarchal pressures, limiting independent feminist advocacy and hindering broader political opportunities for women. Drawing upon diverse sources, the article reveals the relationship between polemical state feminism on perpetuating gender hierarchies and restricting women’s political advancement in contemporary China (2013–2023) while also exploring the emergence of a new generation of Chinese feminists questioning and challenging patriarchal norms through diverse routes. While acknowledging the strong efforts for improving gender equality in China today, the article ultimately underscores the need for comprehensive policies addressing structural barriers for continued developments in gender equality.