| Dramatic social change occurred in the lives of Chinese American women in the first half of the twentieth century. Most Chinese immigrant women in the nineteenth century--whether mui tsai (young bondservants), indentured prostitutes, or wives--led cloistered lives, doubly bound by patriarchal control within Chinatown and racism outside. After the turn of the century, however, Chinese prostitution declined and immigrant wives began to free themselves of social restrictions--unbinding their feet, working outside the home, and participating in community affairs. Their daughters, who came of age in the 1920s, began to challenge traditional gender roles, move beyond menial work, and become involved in social and political activities.; Economic, social, and historical developments in China and the United States are examined in this study to explain how and why social change occurred for Chinese women in San Francisco. Joining a labor market stratified by race and sex oppressed as well as emancipated both Chinese immigrant and American-born Chinese women. As Chinese American women took advantage of jobs outside the home in garment factories, sales and clerical work, and defense production during World War II, they gained a degree of economic independence and a corresponding improvement in their social status. At the same time, their views on gender roles changed due to the influence of Chinese nationalism, Protestant missionary women, and acculturation into American society. The first two factors, which had a positive effect on immigrant women, called for an improvement in conditions for all Chinese women as a way of modernizing China and Chinatown. The latter, which had more of a bearing on American-born women, encouraged them to challenge patriarchy at home and discrimination outside. Moreover, all factors influenced Chinese American women to move into the public sphere and become involve in social and political activities in the community. Race, gender, and class oppression kept Chinese American women in a subordinate position in the workplace, at home, and in the community. It was not until World War II, due to the labor shortage and China's relationship as an ally, that racial and gender barriers were lowered to allow Chinese American women to participate more fully in mainstream society. |
