The Past is another Country: Hong Kong Women in Transition

Abstract

Women in both Hong Kong and China have inherited the legacy of traditional values that severely discriminated against women compared to men. In terms of legal protections, women in mainland China enjoy an advantage. In real terms, Hong Kong women do better, as is shown in relation to education and work. Relocation of factories to Guangdong has created unemployment among older, less educated women in Hong Kong and has created opportunities for younger women in China—at some risk to their safety, as overseas Chinese businessmen ignore industrial safety regulations. There has been little renegotiation in family responsibilities, although many Hong Kong women work. Increasingly, families are employing a Filipina domestic helper, but this has only reinforced the concept of the traditional female domestic role. Relocation of Hong Kong businesses over the border has placed additional strains on marriage, as Hong Kong men establish second families in China.