Chinese masculinity studies in the twenty-first century: Westernizing, Easternizing and globalizing wen and wu

Abstract

This ‘state of the field’ article on Chinese masculinity frames the English-language research on Chinese masculinity in the twenty-first century in the context of the rise of China and her use of ‘soft power’ in this millennium. The use of this soft power coincides with the increasing wealth and mobility of educated Chinese who are traveling to the Chinese cities, and also to various parts of the world. The article shows that as a consequence of these factors, the traditional Chinese masculine ideals of wen (cultural attainment) and wu (physical prowess) have had a discernable impact on perceptions of masculinity ideals internationally. More importantly, the article traces the way that wen and wu have themselves evolved due to influences from the West and the East (Japan and Korea). These influences come mainly from popular culture, with initiatives from the traditionally less powerful people like women and the young.