A Shift From "Yan Nei" To "Yan Wai"

This thesis studies thirteen females,acquiring equivalent privileges by disguising themselves as men in imperialistic China.Among these women,those who joined the army and served as officials are the most representative and typical type and mainly concerned in the thesis.The historical fact of ‘women disguised themselves as men' and its behavioral characteristics and differences are analyzed from history,sociology,psychology and other aspects,by the means of adopting traditional historical methodology,investigating a large amount of historical documents and following ‘Marx and Engels' historical materialism,aiming at seeking ultimate revelations.It explains the source of the behavior mentioned above – gender imbalance,largely influenced by productivity,private ownership and wars in the first chapter of the thesis.In the meantime,different time segments are utilized to demonstrate social reactions after the occurrence of imbalance.A range of expanded analyses was conducted,centering on historical documents regarding their derivation and authenticity.In-depth explorations of ‘women joined the army' and ‘women served as officials' are conducted in chapter two and three.It took great efforts to draw conclusions in related to these two behaviors through comprehensive researches in historical materials and elaborative comparisons amid facts.It was found that these two behaviors were performed by women of different times,classes and backgrounds.One thing in common is that they all disguised themselves as men for a long period of time before joining the army or serving as officials.In a sense,backgrounds,classes and educations are not elements of driving women to disguise,but they affect following career choices.This type of women always discipline and fulfill themselves according to the criteria of men.Not only does this study bring academic significance,but also enlightens our thoughts of gender difference in the modern world.What enlightens us is that gender division of labor may have be a stupid behavior which has hindered the development of civilization.Women who disguise themselves as men in pursuit of their ideals are pioneers in rousing people's attention to gender equality.