The “Escape” Behavior and Strategy of Married Lahu Women in Southwest China

Abstract

In the last several years, marriage and family patterns among the Kucong Lahu of Jinping County, Yunnan, have changed significantly due to rapid economic and social changes all over China. Based on ethnographic research in Lu Village, this article explores the current “escape” migration behavior of married Lahu women. They used migration as a strategy to escape patriarchal husbands, families, and local society. This paper describes a paradox between the autonomy of women's individual actions and the inability to escape the system even when on “escapes.” This sort of “escape” strategy cannot ultimately change the gender inequality and social status.