Global Asia Journal
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Between the arrival of Robert Morrison in 1807, the first Protestant
missionary to China, and the expulsion of Western missionaries in the early
1950s, one important area of missionary work for Chinese women was the
establishment of schools at the primary, secondary and university levels.
This education work afforded girls and young women opportunities for
advancement not provided under the existing patriarchal society. This
article focuses on the development of the American Presbyterian primary
and secondary schools for girls in the rural area of Weixian in Shandong
province. The Presbyterian station in Weixian played a leading role in
establishing primary and secondary schools for girls throughout its
mission field. Although the missionaries began with a conservative agenda
of creating good Christian households at the time, the local population
eventually embraced the schools. These girls’ schools not only trained
female students to become professional teachers but also enlightened and
empowered them in the local cultural sphere.
Recommended Citation
Stanely, John R., "Christianity and Female Empowerment: The American Presbyterian Mission Schools in Weixian, Shandong Province (1883-1920)" (2009). Global Asia Journal. 8.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/global_asia_journal/8
Comments
Occasional Paper No. 8