The Socially Constructed Body: Publications and the Multi-facet of Women’s Sport in Modern China (1840-1949)

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of modern publications addressing women's issues on the development of women's sports and physical education in modern China. It also examines the significant value of these publications in the liberation of women's bodies and related studies. By considering the shift towards cultural history, this study contemplates the future direction of research on modern Chinese women's sports. The findings reveal that while modern publications addressing women's issues positively influenced the development of women's sports, they also had some negative effects. Nonetheless, as a crucial medium and platform for the liberation and development of women's bodies, the historical materials provided by these publications are of significant value for research on women's sports in modern China. In the context of the cultural history turn, the study of women's sports in modern China based on these publications can employ interdisciplinary research methods, drawing from different perspectives and theories. Global and transnational history also represent emerging trends in the study of modern Chinese women's sports history. The exploration of women's sports in modern China based on these publications warrants the attention and further research of scholars in the field.