What We Can Learn from China’s Gender Imbalance and Its Impact on Leadership and Innovation
For a country that prides itself on being a global leader in innovation, planning, and strategic foresight, China’s One-Child Policy represents one of the most profound lapses in critical thinking and planning in modern history. This policy, enforced from 1980 to 2015, led to a tragic outcome: the mass slaughtering of millions of female babies and a staggering gender imbalance, resulting in what demographers call “missing women.” As we examine this issue, we must ask: How could a society that boasts a culture of long-term orientation (as outlined in Hofstede’s dimensions) fail to foresee the devastating social, economic, and ethical consequences of such a policy? Moreover, what are the broader implications for technology, AI adoption, and global ethics, especially in forums like the UN and COP29/30?
A Flawed Policy Rooted in Male Dominance
The One-Child Policy, introduced to curb overpopulation, inadvertently revealed the deep-seated biases of a male-dominated society and government. Crafted and enforced by male leaders, this policy disproportionately affected women. Chinese culture traditionally values sons over daughters, seeing them as bearers of the family name and providers for their parents in old age. The result? A preference for male offspring, leading to widespread infanticide, sex-selective abortions, and abandonment of baby girls.
Between 1980 and 2010, it’s estimated that 30 to 60 million girls were “missing” from the population due to these practices. Some regions, such as rural areas where cultural norms were most strongly ingrained, saw ratios of male to female births as skewed as 130 boys for every 100 girls. In practical terms, millions of potential mothers, workers, and leaders were lost — an incalculable loss not only in human terms but also in terms of economic growth, societal stability, and gender equity [Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/18/chinas-one-child-policy-damage-decades].
The Historical Context: A Hypothesis of Matriarchal Power
Interestingly, when we look back at China’s history, there’s a hypothesis worth exploring — an idea that perhaps after facing the devastating consequences of multiple foreign invasions, often referred to as the “Century of Humiliation,” women might have been elevated to positions of power to protect the nation’s men. Could China have once been on the verge of becoming a matriarchal society, where women took the reins of leadership to rebuild and protect the country from further degradation?
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, China was repeatedly humiliated by foreign powers — Britain, France, Japan, and others — through a series of wars, unequal treaties, and territorial concessions. The country was left weakened, its men demoralized by defeats on the battlefield and in diplomacy. In such a scenario, women may have stepped forward, driven by the need to protect their families and preserve the nation’s future.
Imagine a China where women, recognizing the failure of male leadership during this period, took charge to protect the remaining men, preserving their strength for future generations. This hypothesis suggests that women could have become the primary decision-makers, focusing on long-term recovery and stability. Such a shift could have led to a matriarchal society, one where women’s leadership was not just accepted but essential to the country’s survival.
Consequences of Women Coming to Power: Lessons from Matriarchal and Female-Led Societies
History provides several examples of matriarchal societies and periods where women led nations, offering valuable insights into the outcomes of female leadership.
1. Matriarchal Societies:
The Khasi of India: The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya, India, is one of the few remaining matriarchal societies. Here, property and family lineage pass through the female line, and the youngest daughter inherits the family’s wealth. Women play a central role in social, economic, and political life. As a result, Khasi women enjoy greater autonomy, and the society shows higher levels of gender equality, better social cohesion, and a unique form of governance that values consensus and communal harmony [Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/3/11/the-khasi-tribe-of-india].The Mosuo of China: The Mosuo, often referred to as the “Kingdom of Women,” is an ethnic minority in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of China. In this society, women hold primary power in governance, family, and economic matters. Decisions are made communally, and there is a strong emphasis on cooperation and sustainability. Studies have shown that the Mosuo have low levels of conflict and crime, with their social structure allowing for more egalitarian outcomes [Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/26/mosuo-women-matrilineal-society-china-men].
2. Historic Female Leadership and Outcomes:
Elizabeth I of England (1558–1603): Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, known as the Elizabethan Era, is often regarded as a golden age for England. Under her leadership, England saw a flourishing of the arts, exploration, and economic growth. Elizabeth’s diplomatic skills helped stabilize England after a period of turmoil and religious conflict, and her strategic foresight laid the groundwork for England’s rise as a global power [Source: https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/elizabeth-i-and-her-people].Indira Gandhi of India (1966–1984): As the first and only female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi led the country through significant political and economic changes. Her policies, such as the Green Revolution, transformed India’s agricultural sector, making the country self-sufficient in food grains. Despite controversies during her tenure, such as the Emergency period, Gandhi’s leadership strengthened India’s strategic autonomy and global standing [Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Indira-Gandhi].Angela Merkel of Germany (2005–2021): As Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel became one of the most powerful women in the world. Her pragmatic and steady leadership helped Germany navigate the 2008 financial crisis and the Eurozone crisis while maintaining economic stability and growth. Merkel’s approach to leadership, characterized by consensus-building and cautious decision-making, fostered a period of prosperity and stability for Germany [Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/24/angela-merkel-germanys-chancellor-for-16-years-has-left-a-legacy-of-compromise].
The Changing Dynamics: Women’s Growing Power in Chinese Society
In recent years, however, the tables have turned. The severe gender imbalance created by the One-Child Policy has unexpectedly shifted the power dynamics in Chinese society. With a shortage of women in the dating and marriage markets, Chinese women have found themselves in a position of newfound leverage. Today, women are increasingly aware of their scarcity and the resulting demand, which has led to a dramatic shift in their expectations when it comes to dating, marriage, and relationships.
Chinese women are now demanding significant wealth and financial security from potential partners. The social phenomenon known as “bride price” (彩礼, caili) — where men are expected to provide substantial financial gifts or property to a woman’s family as part of marriage negotiations — has surged in value. This has placed immense pressure on men and their families, particularly in rural areas, where the gender imbalance is most acute. The average bride price in some regions can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan, pushing families into debt to secure a match for their sons [Source: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005586/high-bride-prices-and-changing-marriage-customs-in-rural-china].
The Results and Impact of Shifting Power Dynamics
The shifting power dynamics have several profound impacts on Chinese society:
1. Economic Pressure on Men and Families: The increasing demands for financial security and wealth for marriage have led to significant economic burdens on Chinese men and their families. This pressure has contributed to social instability, rising debt levels, and even mental health issues among men who feel they cannot meet these expectations. The costs associated with marriage are rising, affecting not just individual families but also broader economic consumption patterns as savings are diverted to meet marriage-related expenses [Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2137281/chinese-men-are-left-singles-rising-bride-prices-mean-they-cannot].
2. Social Stratification and Inequality: The rising “bride price” and expectations for wealth have led to greater social stratification. Wealthier men have a distinct advantage in the marriage market, while poorer men, particularly in rural areas, find it increasingly difficult to marry. This growing inequality can lead to social tensions, as those unable to marry — often referred to as “bare branches” — become more susceptible to feelings of resentment, disenfranchisement, and anti-social behavior [Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-42731295].
3. Delayed Marriages and Falling Birth Rates: The shifting dynamics have also led to delayed marriages and declining birth rates. Women, who now have more power in the marriage market, are choosing to marry later or not at all if their expectations are not met. This trend has further exacerbated China’s demographic challenges, contributing to an aging population and a shrinking labor force, which threaten long-term economic stability and growth [Source: https://www.ft.com/content/6c05a98e-4831-11e9-bbc9-6917dce3dc62].
4. Changing Gender Norms and Expectations: This newfound power is also redefining gender norms in China. Women are increasingly prioritizing their careers, financial independence, and personal aspirations over traditional expectations of marriage and family. This change reflects a broader cultural shift where women are no longer seen as secondary to men but as empowered agents of their own futures. This evolution has implications for gender equality in the workplace, education, and leadership roles, with women becoming more assertive in their demands for equality and respect [Source: https://qz.com/1555107/chinese-women-are-increasingly-turning-to-feminism/].
AI Development in China: The Consequences of Male-Dominated Leadership
As China rapidly advances in AI development, the male-dominated leadership in this field raises concerns about the ethical implications and governance of AI technologies. The cultural orientation in China, heavily influenced by patriarchal values, emphasizes strength, domination, power, and pride — qualities often associated with male leadership. In contrast, female leadership is more often associated with community, collaboration, family, and caring.
1. Potential Biases in AI Development and Deployment: When AI systems are designed and governed primarily by men, especially in a society that values strength and power, the AI can inherit these biases. For instance, AI algorithms might be optimized for competitive or defensive purposes, such as surveillance, military applications, and authoritarian control, rather than community-driven solutions that prioritize social welfare, equity, and collaboration. This can lead to AI that reinforces authoritarian governance structures and deepens social inequalities [Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0174-4].
2. Ethical Dilemmas in AI Governance: Male-dominated AI governance could also mean a lesser focus on ethical considerations like fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. The absence of diverse perspectives, particularly those driven by female-oriented values of empathy, community welfare, and human-centric design, may result in AI that fails to serve the broader society. Ethical dilemmas around privacy, surveillance, and data use may become more pronounced, given the prioritization of power and control over inclusive and transparent governance [Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/artificial-intelligence-diversity-equity-inclusion/].
3. Long-Term Impacts on Society: In a society where AI is developed and governed with a bias towards dominance and power, the potential for reinforcing existing social hierarchies and inequalities increases. As AI technologies permeate more aspects of daily life — ranging from employment decisions to law enforcement — the risk of systemic biases being embedded into these systems could lead to a future where societal inequalities are amplified rather than reduced [Source: https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-ethics-of-artificial-intelligence/].
Engaging BRICS from a UN-Competitive Stance Using AI as a Bridge
To effectively engage with BRICS nations from a UN-competitive stance, it is crucial to leverage AI as a strategic bridge that transcends cultural and political differences. The UN should recognize BRICS as powerful global players whose collaboration is essential for addressing shared challenges such as economic development, healthcare, and education. By focusing on AI-driven initiatives that offer mutual benefits — such as improving access to education for women and girls, enhancing healthcare delivery, and optimizing sustainable development — the UN can promote gender equality and human rights in a manner that aligns with BRICS’ economic and technological goals.
Additionally, the UN should advocate for the development of ethical AI frameworks that incorporate principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, inviting BRICS nations to play a significant role in shaping global AI standards. By fostering inclusive governance models and creating cross-cultural AI ethics committees that include representatives from BRICS countries, the UN can ensure that these nations are not only participants but also leaders in advancing ethical AI practices. This approach allows the UN to engage BRICS constructively, promoting a shared vision of technological progress that also advances social equity and human rights, ultimately bridging the gap between different cultural and political systems.
Understanding Power Dynamics in Marriage and Relationships: The Key to Societal Change
But to effectively address gender equity and implement meaningful change in societies like China, we must also understand the power dynamics between men and women in marriage and intimate relationships. In many cultures, these relationships are the bedrock of societal norms, influencing everything from leadership styles to economic participation.
1. Trust, Power, and Income Dynamics: Men and women often hold different forms of power in relationships — economic, emotional, social, and physical. To achieve more gender-equitable societies, both men and women need to navigate and renegotiate these power dynamics. This involves understanding how trust, power-sharing, and economic independence can lead to more balanced relationships and, consequently, more balanced societies.
2. Relationship and Personal Power Dynamics: In societies where men traditionally hold power, personal relationships can serve as microcosms for broader social changes. For men to accept gender equality in broader social, political, and economic spheres, there must be a shift in how power is perceived and wielded in intimate settings. Encouraging collaboration, shared decision-making, and mutual respect in relationships can pave the way for more inclusive governance and leadership structures.
3. Pathways for Change: For meaningful change to occur, it is necessary to create environments — both in public policy and within households — where men do not feel threatened by losing power but instead are empowered by partnership and collaboration. Education, economic incentives, and cultural narratives that celebrate shared power can help bridge the gap. Societal attitudes toward gender roles must evolve to prioritize equality, trust, and collaboration, both in intimate relationships and in broader societal contexts.
Balancing Gender Leadership with Geopolitical Realities in G20 and Beyond
While there are strong arguments for the inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making, the global stage is far from homogeneous. The geopolitical landscape, particularly within the G20 and among countries rooted in faith and male dominance (such as Iran, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern nations), adds layers of complexity to the debate.
For Western male leaders, demonstrating strength and power remains crucial to maintaining geopolitical stability and leadership among nations with vastly different cultural norms and values. In many of these countries, leadership is deeply intertwined with traditional and religious frameworks that emphasize male dominance and patriarchal governance.
1. Navigating Cultural Sensitivities: In forums like the UN and COP conferences, Western leaders must often balance their advocacy for gender equality with the necessity of engaging diplomatically with leaders from male-dominated societies. Pushing too aggressively for gender equity can sometimes backfire, leading to accusations of cultural imperialism or insensitivity. For example, countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia have specific legal and cultural frameworks that govern gender roles, and abrupt external pressures can lead to increased resistance rather than progress [Source: https://www.mei.edu/publications/gender-and-power-middle-east].
2. Realpolitik in International Relations: In dealing with countries where male dominance is a cornerstone of governance, Western leaders must exhibit a form of “realpolitik” — a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the need for strength and power to maintain global order. This approach can help prevent alienation and ensure cooperation on broader issues like climate change, economic development, and global security. Strong leadership does not mean abandoning advocacy for gender rights but rather strategically positioning it within broader diplomatic goals [Source: https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/06/11/gender-politics-and-international-relations-in-middle-east-pub-82067].
3. The Role of Female Leaders in Geopolitics: Female leaders, like New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern and Germany’s Angela Merkel, have often employed a balance of strength and empathy in dealing with male-dominated nations, showing that leadership effectiveness does not solely depend on gender but on the ability to navigate complex cultural and geopolitical landscapes. Their leadership styles — combining firmness on global issues with cultural sensitivity — have gained respect on the global stage, demonstrating a nuanced approach to international diplomacy [Source: https://hbr.org/2020/11/research-7-types-of-leaders-who-are-best-equipped-to-handle-a-crisis].
Ethical Implications in Global Forums: UN and COP29/30
The implications of China’s gender policies also extend into global discussions about technology, innovation, and ethics, particularly in international forums like the United Nations and upcoming COP29 and COP30 conferences. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, ethical considerations in AI and technology adoption have become central topics.
The UN has been vocal about gender equality and its importance in sustainable development. China’s demographic crisis, stemming from a lack of foresight and gender equity, poses a stark example of how societal imbalances can lead to broader ethical and economic dilemmas. This issue is likely to come under scrutiny as global leaders discuss the future of AI governance, ethics, and the role of diversity in innovation at these conferences. The message is clear: a country that does not value half of its population cannot credibly lead the world in ethical AI development [Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/].
Similarly, in the context of COP29 and COP30, where climate change and sustainable development will be focal points, the conversation will likely extend beyond environmental policies to include social sustainability. Gender inequality, exacerbated by flawed policies like China’s One-Child Policy, threatens social sustainability. Addressing climate change requires not just technological innovation but also social equity and inclusive governance — something that China, with its male-dominated policy history, might need to reconcile [Source: https://unfccc.int/cop-29].
The Productivity Analysis: Inclusion of Women vs. Male-Centered Societies
The inclusion of women in decision-making roles and the labor force has been shown to correlate positively with higher productivity, economic growth, and better governance outcomes. Nations that embrace gender diversity in leadership and the workforce tend to outperform those with male-dominated structures.
1. Economic Growth and GDP: Studies from the World Bank, IMF, and McKinsey have demonstrated that gender diversity in the workforce can significantly boost a nation’s GDP. For instance, McKinsey’s “The Power of Parity” report estimates that advancing women’s equality could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. In countries where women are more active in leadership roles and the labor force, such as in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark), GDP per capita is among the highest in the world. These countries rank high in gender equality indices and have shown resilience and sustained economic growth, even in times of global economic downturns [Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/the-power-of-parity-advancing-womens-equality-in-the-united-states].
2. Labor Productivity and Workforce Participation: The labor force participation rate of women is a critical factor in a country’s overall productivity. Nations that have higher female participation rates in the labor market, such as Germany and Canada, have shown more robust economic growth compared to those where women’s participation is significantly lower. For example, Japan’s “Womenomics” initiative, which aimed to increase female labor participation, has contributed to Japan’s economic revitalization efforts in recent years, showing a positive impact on productivity and GDP [Source: https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2018/10/18/na101818-imf-staff-discussion-note-on-womenomics-in-japan].
3. Innovation and Corporate Performance: A study by Credit Suisse found that companies with at least one woman on the board outperformed those with all-male boards. Diverse leadership teams are better at risk management, strategic planning, and fostering innovation. In male-centered societies, where women are marginalized, there is a tendency for groupthink, less creativity, and more missed opportunities in the global market [Source: https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us-news/en/articles/media-releases/credit-suisse-research-institute-cs-gender-300920.html].
4. Social and Ethical Governance: Nations with higher gender equality in leadership often perform better on social, environmental, and governance (ESG) metrics. Scandinavian countries, which boast some of the highest rates of female leadership, consistently lead global rankings for sustainability, innovation, and social welfare. In contrast, male-centered societies, such as some in the Middle East and parts of Asia, tend to lag on these measures, impacting their global competitiveness [Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gender].
Conclusion: A Call for Smarter, More Inclusive Leadership and Balanced Diplomacy
As China moves forward in the 21st century, it faces a choice: continue with male-dominated leadership that overlooks half its population or embrace a more inclusive model that recognizes the inherent value of women in leadership roles and technological innovation. If China truly believes in its strategic foresight and long-term planning capabilities, it must address the systemic issues that led to such a devastating policy failure and its far-reaching implications for technology and ethics. Reflecting on a hypothetical past where women could have risen to power to protect and lead during times of crisis offers a poignant reminder of what might have been. Only by learning from these missed opportunities — and understanding the current dynamics where women now leverage their scarcity for power — can China claim to be as smart as it thinks it is and stand as a credible leader on the global stage in forums like the UN and COP29/30.
Simultaneously, Western leaders must balance advocating for gender equality while respecting the cultural and political frameworks of male-dominated societies. A nuanced approach, blending strength with empathy, is essential for fostering global cooperation and progress in a world of diverse beliefs and values.
