A Study Of Professor Susan Mann's Research On The Gender Ralationship During Long 18^th Century China

Under the influence of feminism and gender theory, more and more sinologists have turned their research interests to the study of gender relationship and women's history during Ming and Qing dynasty China. Professor Susan Mann has gained a worldwide reputation in this field for her great book Precious Records: women in China s long 18th century. In the book, Susan Mann reviewed long 18th century from a women-centered standpoint. This unique research method led to a number of discoveries, which not only challenged some historical prejudices but also re-constructed the mode of gender relationship of long 18th century.This dissertation first gives an introduction of gender theory and its development in China. Part one reveals Professor Susan Mann's academic achievements and her leading position in the field of gender study. Part two is focused on the overall analysis of the gender-relationship system during High Qing period. Susan Mann reconstructed a new system from three angles, namely politics, economy and social culture. Part three takes up a deep discussion on women's literature. Since women made themselves heard by way of poetry, literature is the very access to get to understand their thoughts and feelings. The prosperity of feminism literature itself shows the big change of traditional mode of gender relationship. The last part expounds the features of Professor Susan Mann's study and its enlightenment for the further study as well.