What was the fundamental problem for the success of China's aim of gender equality during the Cultural Revolution?

The fundamental problem for the success of China's aim of gender equality during the Cultural Revolution was deeply rooted in traditional gender norms and societal structures.

1. Traditional Gender Norms: Despite the government's efforts to promote gender equality, traditional gender norms that favored men over women were deeply ingrained in Chinese society. These norms dictated that men were the primary breadwinners and women were expected to focus on domestic duties. This made it difficult for women to break out of these traditional roles and achieve equality.

2. Societal Structures: The societal structures in place also posed a significant challenge. Even though women were encouraged to join the workforce, they were often given lower-paying jobs and had fewer opportunities for advancement compared to men. This economic disparity further entrenched gender inequality.

3. Cultural Revolution Policies: While the Cultural Revolution aimed to eliminate old customs and habits, including those related to gender inequality, the implementation of these policies often fell short. For example, the government's policy of sending educated youth to rural areas to learn from the peasants disproportionately affected women, who were often left behind in the cities to take care of the family.

4. Lack of Legal Protections: There were also a lack of legal protections for women. While the 1950 Marriage Law sought to improve women's rights, it was not effectively enforced. This meant that practices such as arranged marriages, child marriages, and polygamy continued in some areas, further hindering the progress of gender equality.

5. Post-Cultural Revolution Policies: After the Cultural Revolution, the government's focus shifted away from gender equality. The introduction of the one-child policy, for example, led to a preference for male children, further exacerbating gender inequality.

In conclusion, while the Cultural Revolution brought about some changes in the status of women, the deeply ingrained traditional gender norms, societal structures, and lack of legal protections made it difficult to achieve true gender equality.