China's odd requirements for female astronauts

[sufrommich]

China’s female ‘taikonauts’ (astronauts) will be chosen from seven women who began training in 2009. All will have previously been fighter pilots in the Chinese military. They will no doubt be highly qualified, in the peak of physical fitness and have the mental fortitude to endure the unique psychological challenges that will face them on the planned 10-day mission.

Special Requirements

Unlike Valentina Tereschkova, the Chinese astronauts are required to be married and to have had at least one child. Despite the fact many of the women who have been in space have not given birth prior to their missions, the Chinese authorities seem to think both of these are requirements for a woman to be physically and mentally mature. That makes those women not interested in having children not a candidate for this project.

In addition, a state publication made it clear the women chosen would not simply need to be physically healthy, but must be aesthetically pleasing, with flawless skin and no unpleasant odor. While space ships can be crowded, it seems odd this is a specific female requirement. Many women could no doubt testify to the fact men can also smell!

Public Relations Problems

In other circumstances China’s commitment to giving women the opportunity to participate in the most public arena their space program offers could be seen as laudable and a commitment to equality.

However, the special requirements they used in their selection of female astronauts has sadly highlighted a distinctly unequal approach, as well as bringing attention to the public relations factors they must have considered. A smell-less astronaut with no acne might look better on a poster or magazine article, but the handling of this issue seems to have backfired, bringing new attention to the role of women in Chinese society.

http://www.business2community.com/trends-news/feminism-in-space-chinas-odd-requirements-for-female-astronauts-0203389

[boston bean]

1. Men don't stink after not showering for 10 days? And the obvious fact men can't give birth..

Woah!

[sufrommich]

2. It sounds to me that their main concern

for their first female astronaut be that she photographs well and will leave the stinking up the capsule to the men. I wonder how many brilliant but plain looking female scientists will be passed up.

[boston bean]

3. Plus don't they have a 1 child rule there?

So, in a way it is still the same discrimination face here in the US.

If you don't have any children they wonder if you are fit for the job, cause you might get pregnant.

In China, if you've already had your one child, you won't be a waste of their resources.

[sufrommich]

4. I think you make an interesting point.

Notice that nowhere on this planet is it relevant how many or whether men have children because it has no effect on their careers, ever. Just saying.

[Ezlivin]

5. Progress!

Hey, at least they aren't requiring them to bind their feet.

Who knows what liberties the Chinese female will enjoy in a thousand years?

[seabeyond]

6. Who knows what liberties the Chinese female will enjoy in a thousand years?

[seabeyond]

7. sigh... never ending

of course it is our obligation to be pleasing to man at all times.

[Franker65]

8. Dangerous

And going into space is a dangerous business - alot of people get killed. As cruel as it sounds, it might be easier for families as well if the astronaut/taikonaut is unattached.