How to Understand Jinv’s Resistance towards Heteronormativity in China

This paper explores the intersectionality of the Chinese political, social, cultural, and digital landscape, which is reflected in jinv’s resistance to heteronormativity. Jinv refers to a group of Chinese radical grassroots feminists active on social media. The production of a Chinese woman ideal constructed through Confucian ideals, social norms, and policies that expect women to marry and bear children is explained, alongside an analysis of jinv’s localised response and resistance on social media. The paper also discusses the potential limitations of jinv’s resistance, particularly its emphasis on individual agency over structural problems, and briefly suggests possible reasons for such a limitation. The essay concludes by suggesting that a broader understanding of Chinese cultural and social environments, as well as further research into jinv as a unique feminist group, is essential to fully understand jinv’s feminist struggle.