#METOO MOVEMENT IN THE LAND OF CENSORSHIP & ITS IMPACT TOWARDS THE NEW PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA'S CIVIL CODE REGARDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT (2018-2020)

Abstract

exual harassment has been a big concern in many parts of the world and China is no exception. Due to China’s patriarchal culture that is deep rooted in the society for ages, male domination and this ideology have been seen as core family values and that makes women inferior in the society. However, there was very few laws and regulations concerning sexual harassment in China prior #MeToo movement. Hence, this qualitative study uses a review of related literature and analyses through interpreting the content shared by social media accounts. This study applies a feminist institutionalism as a main theoretical concept followed by digital feminism and network society theories to explain the growth of the movement in digital space. As a result, this study concludes that, first, since #MeToo movement entered China in 2018, it has succeed in raising awareness and public concern on sexual harassment issues and creates a strong network society among victims and activists to come forward with their own harassment narratives. It was so well-received that the Chinese government stepped in, filtering comments and prohibiting state-run news outlets from reporting their story. Second, although #MeToo movement faces big challenges from the government with their internet censorship and the great firewall policy, the creativity of women who actively participate in the dissemination of #MeToo by changing this hashtag to #WoYeShi after having to face government censorship is a clear proof that the feminist spirit in China is difficult to quell. This research shows that #MeToo movement in China have help create systemic changes in Universities and also urge the making of the new People’s Republic of China Civil Code on May 2020 which for the very first time codifies sexual harassment and will be a legal foundation to bring sexual harassment case to justice.