Cultural Writing. Asian Studies. These 21 dynamic articles by Chinese women scholars explore the limitations on women's lives in premodern China and detail their involvement in the great political movements of the 20th century. The collection provides a fascinating examination of how new laws have improved women's status, yet have left them open to exploitation as China enters the global economy. With statistics and reports otherwise unavailable, they give a refreshing outlook on China's women that is breathtaking both for the problems it confronts and for the spirit of struggle it embodies.