The title of this project is “Threads of Tradition, Scissors of Change.”

The societal/cultural issue I want to explore with my photographs is the conflict between traditional Chinese cultural expectations and modern feminist ideals. I want to show how women balance family roles, marriage pressures, and career goals while fighting for independence.

I want my audience to feel the struggle and strength of Chinese women. I want them to see both the weight of tradition and the hope of change.

I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for photographs that use symbols to tell stories. Examples include red threads (for束缚) or scissors (for freedom). I will study Luo Yang’s honest portraits, Pixy Liao’s playful gender role reversals, and Li Zhensheng’s documentation of social shifts. Feminist portraiture and social documentary styles will guide my approach.