The Sino-American friendship as tradition and challenge: Dr. Ailie Gale in China, 1908-1950.

摘要

Twentieth century Americans' sentimental feelings of attachment toward China were largely linked to missionaries, the majority of whom were women. Some of these female missionaries were part of a presumed "sisterhood," sharing ideals that often enabled them to achieve what this study terms "empowerment-through-piety." Emphasizing female and male spiritual equality and the traditional female duty of service to God, these ideals allowed some of the women to challenge traditional notions of patriarchal order.; Scholars have shown how nineteenth century women missionaries were a conservative force, fostering the exalted image of American women in comparison to their "heathen" counterparts. This study examines the forces for challenge that coexisted alongside this conservatism.; "Empowerment-through-piety" allowed nineteenth century women to form and support missionary societies and serve as doctors in the foreign mission field while challenging male authority by raising funds, speaking in public and pursuing an education equal to that of Victorian men. This study traces the legacy of empowerment by examining the correspondence of twentieth century missionary to China, Dr. Ailie Gale, who typified these ideals.; As a Methodist, Gale belonged to the largest Protestant denomination in America. A physician and administrator of hospitals in China, Gale's discursive self-representation suggested to supporters that their friendship with China was based upon values which were traditional to Protestant, and especially Methodist, women, and challenges to both American perceptions of the place of women in medicine and in society, and notions of China and the global realm.; This study relies upon approximately 2,000 letters written by Gale to supporters and family, and contributed for this study by her son Frank Gale, personal interviews, and manuscript collections in the following archives: Drew University, New Jersey, the Board of Global Ministries, New York City, Rockefellar Center Archives in New York, and the Yale Divinity School's China Records Project.