Xiaoping Cong is a scholar of late imperial and twentieth-century China who teaches at the University of Houston. She researches and writes about the intersection of cultural and political history in China.
In this empirically rich exploration of the social and cultural significance of Chinese communist legal practice in constructing marriage and gender relations in the turbulent period from 1940 to 1960, Xiaoping Cong interrogates the development of the revolutionary principle of 'self- determination' in the choice of marriage partner.
The book delves into how Chinese communist legal practices shaped marriage and gender relations between 1940 and 1960, highlighting their social and cultural implications during a transformative era. It examines the intersection of law, societal norms, and gender roles, providing insight into the complexities of personal relationships amid political upheaval. Through this lens, the text uncovers the broader impact of legal frameworks on the lives of individuals and the evolving dynamics within Chinese society.