The new Chinese woman works in factories 1961

Henri Cartier-Bresson made this black and white photograph, titled "The new Chinese woman works in factories," during his time in China. The photograph encapsulates the ideals of gender equality and industrial progress that were central to the Communist revolution. Consider how the image creates meaning. Cartier-Bresson documented women engaged in heavy industrial labor, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting an image of female empowerment. Made at a time when China was undergoing rapid industrialization and collectivization, the photograph can be read as a piece of state propaganda. The Chinese Communist Party had a distinct interest in promoting gender equality and demonstrating the success of its policies. As historians, we can consult official government publications, propaganda posters, and accounts from the period to better understand the social and political context in which this image was produced and circulated. The meaning of this image is contingent on the socio-political context in which it was made.