About this episode

This episode explores the complex relationship between men and women in modern China, highlighting the impact of demographic pressures and online misogyny on gender equality.

For decades, China has officially championed the ideal of gender equality. Yet beneath that promise lies a very different reality, where demographic pressures, economic uncertainty, and political priorities are reshaping the relationship between men and women. In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of gender in modern China, tracing how the legacy of the one-child policy, a growing imbalance between men and women, and the rise of online misogyny have converged with government efforts to promote more traditional family roles. We examine the debate over whether declining marriage and birth rates can be addressed through cultural messaging alone, or whether deeper reforms—from legal protections to housing affordability and workplace equality—are needed to confront the underlying challenges. The story reveals that the future of China's demographic and social stability may depend not only on encouraging families, but on creating a society where both men and women are able to thrive with equal opportunity and voice. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/07/16/chinas-rulers-have-a-woman-problem

People in this episode

Host: HS

Topics covered

• gender equality
• China
• demographic challenges
• misogyny
• marriage rates
• birth rates
• social stability

Keywords

• gender equality
• China
• one-child policy
• misogyny
• marriage rates
• birth rates
• social stability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Economist

Places: China

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