从“弃妇”到“弃夫”：战乱中的女性抉择丨元旦书摘

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the struggles and experiences of lower-class women in wartime Beijing (1937-1949), highlighting their migration from rural areas to the city in search of better living conditions and opportunities, amidst the backdrop of political turmoil and economic collapse [1][4][9]. Group 1: Migration Patterns - During the period from 1931 to 1937, over 3 million people migrated from Hebei Province, with nearly 33.7% of Beijing's residents being from Hebei after the Japanese occupation in 1937 [4][6]. - The influx of migrants significantly altered the demographic and social landscape of Beijing, with 83% of households living in rented accommodations, indicating a high rental rate and stark differences in housing conditions [2][4]. Group 2: Economic and Social Conditions - The economic decline in rural areas, exacerbated by environmental pressures and political instability, forced many to seek work in urban centers, leading to a significant increase in the urban labor force [5][6][8]. - The decline of rural handicrafts, which constituted about 30% of rural household income, further pushed families to migrate to cities for low-wage jobs in retail and service sectors [6][7]. Group 3: Gender Dynamics - Women like Tian Ma, who migrated to Beijing, often faced domestic abuse and sought refuge in the city, where they hoped to find stability and economic relief, although many encountered new challenges [3][9]. - The article illustrates that the migration of women was not solely driven by the promise of opportunities in the city but was largely a response to the dire circumstances in rural areas [9].