Page 63 - Chinese Woman Living and Working

50 CLODAGH WYLIE
replied that the term ‘modern woman’ meant making independent decisions at work,
being economically independent and engaging in activities that involved communication.
Participant D thought that the term meant being both good at work and at living. For
participant E, the term referred to quick thinking, innovativeness as well as confidence,
strength and self-respect. Strength was a quality also mentioned by participant N. For
respondent O, an accountant under 30 years of age, being a modern woman meant having
an independent character and thought, being able to deal independently with matters,
having a relatively stable and high salary and having high self-expectation. Participant S
also identified the term ‘modern woman’ with independence, stating that for her it meant
being more independent in one’s professional and personal life. Participant G, a product
marketer for an international electrical appliances company, thought that being a modern
woman meant one had a fashionable appearance and was relatively open. Participant M, who
was under 30 years old and working for a beer company, believed that being a modern
woman meant having a stable and suitable job, courageously trying new things, having
belief in oneself, being able to handle both work and family and being independent and
self-respectful.
Adaptability was also mentioned as an important characteristic of being a modern
woman. Respondent H, the state-sector employee, believed that a modern woman was
one who could adapt to and keep up with today’s changing environment. This notion of
keeping up with a changing environment is reflected in an article that looks at the
‘challenges of the new century’ (Xiao 1999). The author focuses on the growing
importance of the ‘knowledge economy’ and the need for women to pursue education in
order to meet these new challenges effectively. Xiao argues that educational differences
have historically put women at a disadvantage, and calls on women to look at ways
of rectifying these imbalances by pursuing further study or specialised training (Xiao
1999:26).

Attitudes towards private-sector employment
The majority of respondents identified higher incomes as the most positive aspect of
working in the private sector. Additionally, being able to pursue what one was good and
skilled at and ultimately having an opportunity to do something enjoyable were also seen
as positive aspects of the private sector. Challenge was identified as a positive aspect of
working in the private sector, as was freedom. By using the term ‘freedom’, the
respondents meant having the ability to choose one’s occupation, job mobility and gaining
fulfilment from one’s work.
Participant B stressed that the most positive aspect of private-sector employment was
that people could do whatever they were skilled at and interested in. This also meant that
people were able to develop potential ability and do what they liked doing. Participant C
responded that freedom, lack of restraints and working for oneself were positive aspects of
working in the private sector. Reluctant to mention any negative aspects, she stated that
even the hardships she encountered were worth it. Respondent D also mentioned freedom
and no restraints as positives. In addition, she noted that there was room to climb higher
in one’s career. Participant E also noted the opportunity for career development and the