Since 1978, reform policies introduced in rural China have had a profound impact on women's work and gender divisions of labour. This book provides detailed information on shifts in women's work patterns. It explains how and why these shifts have come about, and how they relate to women's position in society. While other aspects of reform in rural China have been analysed extensively, this is one of very few, and to date the most comprehensive studies of the effects of reform on rural women.

‘Women’s Work in Rural China is an accessible and informative book … [which] provides a thorough and readable text for students and the general public interested in understanding the changing status of women in China’s rural economy. Furthermore, it makes a valuable contribution to the broader literature on economic and social change in rural China … and is thus an important addition to bookshelves on this subject.’

Source: Asian Affairs