VDM CHANG Ph. D, C: Violence Against Women in Post-Mao China

This dissertation discusses the issue of violence against contemporary Chinese women. It first argues that the recent economic liberation has exacerbated the long-standing problem by eroding the social safety net and increasing gender disparities in economic power. It also argues that the State is somehow responsible for the problem based on newly developed international human rights theory. The concept of violence against women and the solution to it has only developed in the international human rights consciousness in recent decades, and they are still alien to the Chinese society. However, as China is emerging to be more important and influential in the international community and global economy, it has become a more open and rights-oriented state. This is a positive change for the promotion of women's freedom from violence, and shall improve their overall wellbeing. This dissertation concludes that this problem has been recognized by the Chinese authorities and society through criticism from international community and the Chinese academics and media. Nevertheless, the current Chinese legal system has yet to improve to be able to effectively resolve the problem.