The dynamics of gender, ethnicity and state among the Austronesian-speaking Muslims (Hui/Utsat) of Hainan Island, People's Republic of China

Using concepts from Anthony Giddens' structuration theory and feminist theory/methodology, this dissertation first analyzes gender relations, ethnic relations and relations with the state among Austronesian-speaking Muslims of Hainan Island. Although state-identified as Hui, these Muslims call themselves Utsat and their Chamic language, Tsat. I show how certain social practices have structured Utsat gender identity and institutionalized gender solidarity. I argue that Utsat gender relations have been dramatically transformed since many Utsat women became independent income-earners after the early 1980s, a time when economic policies changed in Hainan. In particular, I analyze how women initiated new social practices which significantly revised community thinking about Utsat women as daughters, daughter-in-laws and wives. I examine Utsat women's "bridal credit associations" as an independent source of prestige for women; and I discuss male strategies for marital and economic success which still relies heavily on superior Islamic and Han secular education. Utsat exercise three ethnic identities: as Huan-nang (foreign-people), Hui and Utsat. I expand the notion of "double boundaries" and analyze the three sets of ethnic boundaries preceived by Utsat. I conceptualize ethnic boundaries (between Utsat and Han) as being actively and variously structured by Utsat men and women, state-employed Utsat, cadres and Han converts. In analyzing Utsat relations with the Chinese state, I first discuss past historical relations with local Han, and then examine how Utsat have dealt with three major concerns they have with the state: policy change regarding their eligibility for highly-subsidized grain-prices, implementation of family-planning policies, and attacks on Utsat property and conflicts with neighboring ethnic groups. To compare the impact of the Chinese state policies on ethnicity, I briefly compare ethnic experiences of Utsat's blood relatives in Malaysia, whose ancestors were first known as Orang Kwangtung and who have now fully assumed Malay ethnic identity. Based on more than 20 months participant-observation fieldwork in China and Malaysia between 1986 and 1990, this dissertation closes with an analysis of the intersections of gender, ethnicity and the state.