1. What were the roles and expectations for women and girls in China during the 1940s and 1950s?

During the 1940s and 1950s in China, the roles and expectations for women and girls underwent significant changes due to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Here are the steps to understand these changes:

Step 1: Pre-1949 Before 1949, women in China were traditionally expected to adhere to the "Four Virtues" - morality, proper speech, modest manner, and diligent work. They were primarily confined to their homes and were responsible for domestic duties. Education for girls was not prioritized.

Step 2: Post-1949 After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Communist Party aimed to eradicate these traditional gender roles. The new government promoted gender equality and women's rights. The 1950 Marriage Law, for example, outlawed arranged and forced marriages, and granted women the right to divorce.

Step 3: Women in Workforce Women were encouraged to participate in the workforce. They were given opportunities to work in both urban and rural areas, in fields like industry, agriculture, and services. The state provided childcare facilities to support working mothers.

Step 4: Political Participation Women were also encouraged to participate in politics. They were given the right to vote and hold office. The All-China Women's Federation was established to represent and protect women's rights and interests.

Step 5: Education The government made efforts to provide equal educational opportunities for girls. Literacy programs were launched to educate women who had been denied education in the past.

However, it's important to note that despite these changes, traditional attitudes towards women's roles persisted to some extent, and women still faced discrimination and inequality in various aspects of society.