Gender Stereotypes and Composition in the Chinese Film Industry: A Study of the Top 15 Grossing Films

This study employed qualitative textual analysis to explore gender representation in the 15 highest-grossing films in China. Applying the doing gender framework, the study revealed that there are limited efforts toward gender equality, pervasive stereotypes, and patriarchal and heteronormative ideologies across different genres. Women are portrayed through family-oriented lenses, and an Iron Lady image has emerged, perpetuating shallow perceptions of femininity and maintaining male power. Furthermore, female actors composed only one-fifth of all actors, and there were no female cinematographers or editors. This study underscores the pressing need for the Chinese film industry to promote gender equality.