The status of women in China remains low relative to that of men. There have been government reforms to promote gender equality, but the superiority of men still pervades in the social, cultural and employment situations. This lower status of women accounts for the under representation of Chinese women in the field of management. Factors that reduce opportunities for women’s managerial positions include:

· Negative attitudes toward female leaders

· Limited access to recruitment and training opportunities                   

· Male dominance in the Communist Party

· Socialization toward a shy and unassertive demeanor

· Stereotyped views about the nature of women

· The belief that women bosses are unfair, disorganized, narrow-minded,

    and hard to work with compared to men

It is more common in today’s China for women to be leaders only as long as they do not hold positions of authority over men. For example, women are sometimes leaders in women’s organizations, in those with a labor force made up of primarily women, or when there are not enough qualified or suitable men.

Some job segregation also affects career opportunities of women in China. Because women are believed to be more attentive, patient, dextrous and gentle than men, it is thought to be more "natural" for them to hold certain positions, such as those of teachers, nurses, and old-age home attendants. Since women and men do not do the same work, they do not get the same pay. Despite equal pay laws, Chinese women earn only about 72 to 74 percent of what men earn.

(Managerial women in the People’s Republic of China).

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