Title: Fieldwork in Contemporary China: Chinese Women’s Experiences of Childbirth and Reproduction
Presenter: Qinqin Yang, PhD candidate in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Time: February 13, 2026, 4:00-5:30 pm
Place: Gregory Hall Room 415
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine Chinese women’s experiences and expressions of childbirth, reproduction and pain within the socio-political, medical, and familial contexts of contemporary mainland China. To date, I have conducted ninety-two one-on-one, in-person, in-depth interviews with Chinese women about their childbirth experiences and perspectives. As Bourke (2014) argues, the interpretation of a “pain-event” should be situated contextually. Following this perspective, my study situates individual experiences of pain within their specific socio-political, medical, and familial contexts through qualitative interviews, providing a platform for Chinese women’s voices to be heard and analyzed in ways that acknowledge their personal, lived realities. I will also share reflections on navigating the IRB application process for my transnational research project, as well as on conducting fieldwork in China.
