Survival and Development of Women in China during the Great Famine: Policies, Social Structures, and Gender Role Reconstruction

Abstract

This study examines the survival and development of women in China during the nationwide crisis between 1959 and 1961, analyzing how prevailing ideological frameworks at the time influenced social and cultural transformations, particularly in the redefinition of gender roles. Against the backdrop of rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization, women bore dual responsibilities in both production and reproduction, serving as contributors to collective efforts while also experiencing the burdens of systemic upheaval. Although policies officially promoted gender equality, their implementation encountered cultural resistance and structural constraints. This paper further explores the lasting impact of the crisis on women's social status and how it influenced subsequent gender dynamics in Chinese society.