The purpose of this thesis is was establish how the revival of traditional gender norms by stigmatizing women’s leftover status, has influenced educated women (labeled Shengnü) in looking for a...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is was establish how the revival of traditional gender norms by stigmatizing women’s leftover status, has influenced educated women (labeled Shengnü) in looking for a future partner online. It does this by analyzing women’s profiles on an online dating website and researches women’s self-presentation and criteria for mate selection in finding a heterosexual partner. It argues that highly educated women in the workforce (in Beijing) are influenced by societal pressures, and therefore downplay their achievements, hide information and/or lower their demands to attract a suitable mate. To verify this hypothesis, a content analysis was conducted on profiles of women residing in Beijing on the largest state-owned dating website in China, Jiayuan.com.Show less
Why are there so many and such varied discourses about Tibet? Why do the statements about Tibet made by American, Chinese, and foreign organizations often appear to be quite different from and...Show moreWhy are there so many and such varied discourses about Tibet? Why do the statements about Tibet made by American, Chinese, and foreign organizations often appear to be quite different from and sometimes in contradiction to each other? This research focuses on how Tibet has been framed by different parties in their discourse. It examines how these parties discuss and portray Old Tibet (prior to the Chinese invasion) and Contemporary Tibet. With regard to Old Tibet I consider how Orientalist ideas have influenced and shaped the discourse on Tibet; with regard to Contemporary Tibet, two processes which influence the discourse on Tibet are discussed, namely, the commodification and the politicization of Tibet.Show less
This thesis is an initial attempt to investigate the Chinese perspective in the ivory trade debate, which often falls short in Western representations. The author used a qualitative analysis of...Show moreThis thesis is an initial attempt to investigate the Chinese perspective in the ivory trade debate, which often falls short in Western representations. The author used a qualitative analysis of various sources such as white papers, academic articles, newspaper articles and websites in order to analyse Western depictions of the Chinese role in the ivory trade, which were then contrasted with a Chinese actors' depiction of their involvement and motivations. Finally the thesis discusses NGO awareness campaigns aimed at Chinese consumers. Through the analysis it was found that NGOs generally take into account Chinese customs and realities in their targeted campaigns. It was furthermore concluded that the depiction of China's voracious ivory consumers does not reflect the reality, as the extent of consumption is overemphasized due to China's population size.Show less