In The Silent Withdrawal, Dian Zhong reveals a striking reversal in China’s once-celebrated gender equality, as women increasingly withdraw from the workforce despite higher education levels. Highlighting the policy missteps and the unintended consequences of pro-natalist measures, alongside the transformation of feminism from state collaboration to a force of resistance, Zhong calls for bold reforms to reconcile women’s economic empowerment with demographic challenges, steering China toward a more inclusive future.
Key takeaways:
- A Quiet Crisis in China’s Workforce: Despite education gains, Chinese women are retreating from the workforce, facing widening wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and mounting family pressures—a stark contrast to global gender equality trends.
- Policy Missteps Deepen Inequality: Government efforts to encourage fertility have inadvertently marginalized women economically, worsening labor discrimination and gender disparities.
- Feminism Evolves Under Pressure: Once a partner in state-driven agendas, feminist activism in China now stands at the crossroads of domestic demands and global scrutiny. Facing mounting pressures, it has transformed from collaboration with the state to a force of active resistance.
- Balancing Demographics with Inclusion: Inclusive policies are urgently needed to align women’s economic roles with the nation’s demographic challenges. Without such reforms, China risks losing the valuable contributions of female human capital while facing an impending demographic crisis.
