The Evolution Of Women's Sports Image In The Process Of China's Modernization

Female body was fettered during thousands of years of feudal Chinese history.They were banned from participating in sports activities.Although in Tang Dynasty,they had access to sports due to the economic development and cultural enlightenment.They were soon deprived of the rights again in the subsequent dynasties.Then the custom of “feet binding” emerged,which greatly damaged the physical and mental health of female.Along with the modernization of China,female sports have truly developed.In the process,all aspects of society such as economy,politics,culture,have a great impact on the development of female sports.China's modernization strategies in different times resulted in changes in female sports image.In this paper,through the analysis of scholars' researches on China's modernization,the author came to the conclusion that China's modernization should be divided into three periods: the first period is from Westernization Drive to the establishment of new China,the second period from the establishment of new China to the beginning of the Reform and Opening Up period,and the third period from the Reform and Opening Up period until now.After determining three periods of China's modernization,the author summarized changes of female sports images on the basis of lots of materials.Finally,this paper analyzed the current development trend of female sports images in China,and put forward some suggestions for the transformation of female sports images in the future.The research findings show that the shaping of female sports image is closely related to China's modernization progress.Different periods have different impacts on female sports images.In the first period,due to national unrest,some far-sighted people hoped to improve female's physical fitness through sports and foster a strong generation.Females burden the image of “strengthening the new generation,strengthening the country”.In the second period,feudal system which fettered females for thousands of years was abolished with the establishment of new China.Females were assured equal rights to males.A lot of policies were issued to develop sports.Female sports developed fast and made great achievements.However,in this period,the nation was not stable due to some events such as the Great Cultural Revolution.Thus,female sports also develop difficultly.In the third period,national economy develops fast,“Olympic Glory” and “National Fitness" policies greatly improve competitive sports and mass sports.Chinese females play an important part in competitive sports,and modern females take part in sports with great enthusiasm.Modern females' sports images not only show healthy and beautiful appearances,but lso show good qualities of independence and tenacity.Although the overall development of female sports image seems great,it still faces some problems.Influenced by the consumption culture and mass media,female body images are over-used.It is neither conducive to the formation of a good sports image,nor a good guide to females' sports view.In order to promote the transformation of female sports images in the future,not only mass media should take advantage of its influence to help shape a healthy female sports image,females should also establish self-consciousness of correct understanding of sports images.