The Impact of the Anti-Foot-binding Movement on the Liberation of Chinese Women

Abstract

This paper examines the historical practice of foot-binding in China, which explores its historical origins, its physical and psychological harm against women, early modern China’s effort to gradually abolish the practice and how it has ultimately contributed to the liberation of Chinese women. Foot binding, a practice that originated in the Northern Song Dynasty and wasn’t widely abolished until well into the 20th century, has been a source of multifaceted torment against women that have suppressed their social role and autonomy for generations. The anti-foot-binding movement, which gained momentum in the late Qing dynasty and continued into the 20th century, was a critical component of broader societal reforms aimed at modernizing China and uplist the appeal of feminist thoughts. By tracing the historical trajectory of foot-binding and the resistance against it, this paper highlights the significance of the movement in promoting women's rights and shaping modern feminist consciousness in China.