Qiqi Huang

Profile

I complete my bachelor degree in Chinese Literature and master degree in the Theory of Literature and Art at Fudan University at Shanghai. I have laid a solid academic foundation in Chinese Language and Literature and acquired substantial knowledge of Western literary and aesthetic theories throughout the past years. I accumulated research experience in gender studies by participating in research programs such as the one sponsored by the National Social Science Foundation of China, during which I was engaged in the study of bell hooks and her works. In addition, my internship at Shanghai Media Group gave me access to diverse information channels and furnished me with a comprehensive knowledge of the new media.

What motivated me to undertake PhD study?

I have been immersed in the Chinese culture and acquired substantial knowledge of Western literary and aesthetic theories, enabling me to combine the strengths of both aspects when examining the gender discourse in contemporary China. My academic background and practical experience have prepared me for delving into gender studies at a more profound level, especially a systematic and detailed research into the gender discourse in the new media. I hope I  can bring about fresh insights into gender studies, shatter stereotypes among the rising generation of China and contribute to social progress towards understanding and respect for everyone so that all are in control of their own destinies

What makes me passionate about my subject?

The first time I came into contact with gender studies was when I attended the Western Feminist Literary Criticism course in my undergraduate period, during which I got exposed to the works of Simone de Beauvoir, Virginia Woolf, etc. These works have furnished me with a preliminary understanding of the evolution of feminism in the Western world and ignited my interest in gender studies. Personally, I have experienced gender discrimination when seeking jobs and pressure of getting married from people around me, which I believe might have befallen many other women as well. Given the rapid development of the new media, the dispersed voices against the revealed inequality are far from sufficient to drive changes to the core for there are still a great deal of distorted and untrue words circulating the media mislead us to a large extent. Hence, I am deeply concerned about the current conditions and future direction of gender studies and determined to commit myself to studying the intricate social relationships and relevant social issues from the perspective of feminism and gender studies towards a more complete picture of the world.

What are my plans once I have completed my PhD?

After finishing studies abroad, I may continue to do scientific research in university of research institute. I will apply the advanced theories and practical methods to the domestic related topics, which combined with China’s national conditions in order to promote exchanges and cooperation at home and abroad. Gender Studies in China is still in its infancy. Women’s rights are gradually being concerns of the community. This research will neaten the topic of female rights and interest that appeared in new media triggering public attention, and analyze its cause as well as influence brought to female research, which not only made up the theoretical blank of Chinese feminism research and enhanced the diversification of Chinese new media related research. Therefore, it is helpful for people to understand female situation in the new media platform, improve female independent consciousness and promote the public and media’s respect on female self-expression.

Research interests

My research mainly focuses on the emergence and influences of women’s rights issues in contemporary China’s new media. I would like to comprehensively summarize and systematically analyzes how female right topics come in to being and their influence since the emergency of new media, and independently explores and forecasts the developing trend of future female right topics in new media. I will also discuss about how western feminism ideas travel from western countries and localize in China.