Gender Inequality Under Colonial Modernity: Examining the Gendered Dimensions of Social Suffering through Disaster Events in Taiwan
Methodology employs qualitative research techniques. In-depth interviews and field observations were conducted to collect narratives from survivors, with particular attention to women's experiences and voices. Historical document analysis was utilized to examine spatial, economic, social, and cultural development materials from the Japanese colonial period to the post-war era, investigating how gender inequality was constructed and intensified within the context of colonial modernity.
Preliminary findings indicate: 1. Historically, the modernization process introduced during the colonial period, while bringing new opportunities for women, simultaneously reinforced certain structures of gender inequality. 2. Interviews conducted in this research on the fire case in Taiwan reveal the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of women, leading to spatial concentration effects. Consequently, women were more susceptible to becoming victims of social suffering when disasters occurred.3. In post-disaster reconstruction, women often shoulder greater caregiving responsibilities while having comparatively less voice in decision-making processes.
This research not only unveils often-overlooked gendered aspects of social suffering but also offers a novel perspective for examining gender inequality in nations characterized by colonial modernity. The methodological approach, combining theoretical and qualitative analysis, enables a more comprehensive capture of the complex facets of gender inequality. Furthermore, the study addresses the intersectionality of gender with other social factors such as age and class, providing a richer perspective for understanding and measuring gender equality.