Small Screen China: An Exploration of Contemporary Social Issues as Depicted in Chinese TV Dramas

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Authors

Hackenbracht, Julie Elizabeth

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University of Oregon

Abstract

As Mainland China transitions from a planned socialist economy to one more market-focused, its economic successes have garnered attention worldwide. However, this astounding economic growth brought with it a number of negative side effects, including corruption and a resurgence ofprostitution. Gender relations have also undergone major shifts from state mandated gender equality in the Mao era to a call for the refeminization ofwomen in the Reform era. How is the Chinese population navigating this transition? In this thesis, I utilize existing melodrama theory and relevant sociological studies to explore how three Chinese TV dramas-I'm Not a Hero (2004), Close to You, Make Me Warm (2006), and Give Me a Cigarette (2006), later renamed Evening Rain--expose and explore some of these existing social problems, providing a platform for their viewers to reflect on and explore these issues on their own.

Description

viii, 116 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.

Keywords

Television -- China -- History -- 21st century, Television melodramas -- China -- History -- 21st century, China -- Social life and customs -- 2002-

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