Alteration Of Localized Chinese Feminist Criticism In New Times

It has been more than 20 years since feminism was first accepted in China and now it has been transformed from an exported foreign theory from west into a locally ingrained literature theory and critical mode. Instead of being completely copied from its original model, the implantation of feminism finds its footing from local contexts which provide both nourishment and irrigation from theory of western feminism and creation and misinterpretation from local historical and cultural context.The article briefly reviews the general picture and basic features of western feminism which, as a globally influential thought, brings about profound impact upon 20^th century critical theory and provides a brand-new perspective and methodology with literature criticism and research.Part one systematically combs development and alterations of feminism in China. The social and historical context exclusively characterized with Chinese traits is directly responsible for the development of feminism in China: "integrative alteration" in the knowledge system of literature theory in China makes a turning point for the introduction of feminism, the reality of Chinese women's living situation offers proper environment and the booming feminist literature presents a broad field.Growing up on this basis, new feminism can be divided into three stages: the first stage, introductory stage, began from 1981to 1987.In this stage, there were few translations or introductions but feminism was generally left at the edge of academic discussion. The second stage, 1988-1995, booming stage. In this stage, a large number of translations and discussions were produced, accumulation of theory and method was improving and critical practice was springing up.The third stage, 1996 till now, climax stage. In this stage, feminist criticism further develops, translations and introductions of theories are more systematical and professional, and critical practice is in a more prosperous state. The third section illustrates all the changes feminist criticism goes through in the process of growing up in China: first, feminism was accepted without enough considerations in the first place. This state was enhanced by systematical and organized translation and introduction. As theoretical accumulation improves, critical practice gradually booms and some scholars began sorting out and introspecting the theory of feminism. Second, in the respect of critical practice, western feminism criticism was preferred in the beginning. From mid 90s, influenced by French schools, it turned to context criticism. And emergence of deconstruction and cultural studies made it merge with cultural criticism. Third, methodology of feminism grows diverse as solitary method gradually merged with many other methods. Fourth, women's consciousness of being an independent person has come to awaken—march from "identification of human being" to "identification of female"; Fifth, from the unitary and disordered critical practice in the first place to the systematic and dialectical critical practice , awareness of setting up history of women came into being . Sixth, Awareness of setting up feminism as a branch of knowledge becomes increasingly strong.The second part focuses on comparing different traits of western feminist criticism and Chinese feminist criticism. The article aims to point out the difference in cultural context between Chinese and western feminism :first , western culture places emphasis on case analysis and rational thought while traditional culture in China attach importance to mediocre preferring impressionist description; second, western culture values individuality while traditional culture in China advocates collectivism; Third, western women are more determined to pursue individual liberation because they tend to pay attention to their own feelings while Chinese women prefer harmony between male and female because they are more restrained and reserved in temperament. Fourth, Localization of feminism in China is affected by culture consumption due to commercialization of culture in the postmodernist context since the new era. Different cultural contexts make the disparity between western and Chinese feminist criticism in many aspects: first, it is the feminism spreading and penetrating from political field to academic filed that helps western feminist criticism form. But in China, feminist criticism purely comes from the communication of different domains within academic field without background of independent feminism. Second, western feminist criticism has already formed its theoretical system and effective critical mode but Chinese feminist criticism lacks theory construction and interests. Third, western feminist criticism emphasizes individuality and independence, while Chinese feminist criticism, less independent, pays more attention to the whole environment and reform of cultural tradition. The former is adept in observing the big world from tiny details while the latter lays stress on entirety. Fourth, western feminist criticism displays linear advancement in the process of development while Chinese feminist criticism in new era displays synchronous coexistence. Fifth, western feminism attach importance to fiction studies. Sixth, western scholars consider feminist criticism and study of feminist reading as vital as feminist writing, while scholars in China focuses more on critical practice of women's works. Seventh, western feminist criticism is strongly rebellious and revolutionary while feminism in China is prudent and tranquil, in hope of establishing harmony between two sexes.The third part intends to summarize. On one hand, all the achievements by Chinese feminist criticism in new ear will be evaluated objectively. On the other hand, all sorts of predicaments emerging in the 20 years shall be introspected calmly. First, concepts and terms are mechanically copied in disregard of specific conditions, lacking enough theory; Second, individuality and privacy are over admired and value and revolutionary significance are virtually dispelled. Third, conversations with male theorists and critics are refused. Fourth, study on content is overemphasized while analysis on the art form is deficient. Fifth, Inheriting and exploration of gender research in China is far from adequate when resources from western countries are being noticed. From the initial introduction and translation to setting up feminist criticism with localize traits, feminist criticism in China, with great efforts made by countless feminism scholars, is booming. Certainly, there are many conflicts and predicaments as well. It requires a great deal of exploration and persistent confidence to construct more desirable feminist poetics.