166-088 Manhood/Womanhood in Chinese Contexts

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Usually two First Year Sociology subjects.

Semester

Subject Description

This subject examines the ways in which social and cultural changes in Chinese societies affect manhood and womanhood. These societies include the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities, which have a common cultural tradition but different socio-political characteristics. Three aspects of sociological issues are of specific significance: the changing nature of social structure and cultures and their impacts on men and women; the changing nature of Chinese mate selection, marriage, family and sexuality; and the representations of Chinese men and women in various contemporary cultural media. The comparisons and contrasts developed from this subject should enable students to engage in theoretical reflection on modern manhood and womanhood across Chinese societies.