Impact of Mao’s Policies on Women
In Maoist China, sweeping social reforms aimed to reshape not only politics and the economy, but the very fabric of everyday life, including the role of women.
The Impact of Mao’s Policies on Women presentation introduces students to a powerful era of transformation, where communist ideals challenged centuries of tradition. From the abolishment of foot-binding and arranged marriages to women’s entry into the workforce and communes, this lesson helps students explore how Mao’s vision of equality played out in practice, and where it fell short.
This engaging PowerPoint-based lesson equips students to critically examine the goals and outcomes of Mao’s gender reforms. With a balance of historical facts, sources, and thoughtful classroom activities, students will analyse the changes to family life, women’s labour roles, marriage laws, and political participation under Mao’s rule.
Benefits for Teachers and Students
Deepens student understanding
- Introduces key reforms like the 1950 Marriage Law and the impact of collectivisation
- Includes a role-play task to explore real-life experiences of women from different social backgrounds
- Helps students evaluate ideological aims vs. practical outcomes
- Includes a short historical video on foot-binding to support visual learning and spark discussion
Supports source analysis and discussion
- Includes primary sources such as a 1976 quote from the All-China Women’s Federation and a speech by Mao in 1944
- Students are guided through questions encouraging evidence-based interpretation
Saves teacher planning time
- Includes ready-to-use slides with clear activities and discussion prompts
- Ends with two essay questions suitable for IB Paper 2.
Promotes higher-level thinking
- Students must consider both societal change and resistance, linking ideology to lived experiences.
Whether you’re introducing Mao’s reforms or reinforcing IB exam skills, Impact of Mao’s Policies on Women provides a strong foundation for classroom discussion and analysis.
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Resource Information
| Description: | Student activities include image analysis with guided questions, a short video, a role-play with character choices, and two IB-style essay questions. |
| Estimated lessons: | 3. |
| Ages | 16-18 years. |
| Format | PowerPoint. |
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