Gender equality and opportunities in physical education and sport for women in China

Abstract

Gender equality is one of China’s basic national policies. Since the founding of New China in 1949, the government has implemented a number of policies to eliminate inequality in society. The development of physical education (PE) and sports can serve as an indicator of the success of gender equality in society. This chapter outlines the historical constraints in achieving gender equality, actions taken for change, success achieved in women’s sports, developments in education, policies created to assist women in their career and life choices, and strategies adopted to develop women’s sport when it was still in an underdeveloped state. Actions for change record the efforts made in the past to create a gender-equal society. The success achieved in women’s sports highlights the importance of state intervention. Physical education and physical activity serve as ways to help women to lead an active life. To achieve this goal, it is important to think from a holistic perspective that focuses on the gaps between urban and rural areas in terms of accessibility to sports resources. Under these circumstances, it is important to review the policy on curriculum, health, and standards in women’s sports. This chapter also attempts to raise the issue of professional training of female PE teachers. Some research findings are highlighted, and readers should agree with the observation that gender should not be a label or constraint in women’s life or exercise choices or in their professional success in sports and physical education.