“Genuine equality between the sexes can only be realized in the process of the socialist transformation of society as a whole.”
- December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976
- Born in China
- Politician, thinker
- He led the Chinese socialist revolution and succeeded in founding the country, but the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution brought much chaos and sacrifice.
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Quote
“Genuine equality between the sexes can only be realized in the process of the socialist transformation of society as a whole.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mao Zedong argues that true gender equality cannot be achieved through isolated reforms or individual efforts; rather, it is inherently tied to the broader socialist transformation of society. Mao believed that economic and social systems under capitalism and feudalism inherently maintained inequality between men and women, often subordinating women to roles in the household and denying them equal access to education, employment, and political participation. He viewed the achievement of gender equality as part of a larger, revolutionary process that would dismantle the existing class structures and create a socialist society based on equality and collective ownership.
Mao’s statement was shaped by his experiences in the Chinese Communist Revolution, where one of his key goals was to empower women and integrate them into the workforce and political life. The Communist Party implemented policies aimed at promoting gender equality, including granting women the right to vote, access to education, and equal participation in economic activities. Mao believed that genuine social change required the restructuring of society as a whole, including the liberation of women from traditional, patriarchal roles. His argument was that economic and social systems that rely on exploitation and class division will inevitably perpetuate gender discrimination, and only by building a new, more equitable society could true equality be achieved.
In the present day, this quote remains significant as it reflects the ongoing struggle for gender equality around the world. While many countries have made strides in addressing gender inequality, Mao’s perspective suggests that economic systems, political structures, and cultural norms still contribute to the persistence of gender discrimination. Achieving genuine equality between the sexes requires a holistic transformation of society, not just policy reforms or legislative changes. Today, the fight for gender equality is still deeply connected to broader efforts to address economic inequality, social justice, and human rights, with Mao’s statement highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to creating a more just and inclusive society.
