Xinzhe Hu

Profile

Biography

Xinzhe joined the PhD programme at the Department in September 2022. She is studying the family life and social adaption of Chinese mothers who had children through assisted reproductive technology in same-sex relationships.

Her strong interest in the history of German feminist movements during her undergraduate years grew gradually into a focus on the study and development of gender equality in China.

Her master's research then focused on the psychological dynamics of female-oriented romantic game (otome game) players who chose to establish pre-social romantic relationships with virtual roles in games over intimate relationships in real life.

This research experience enabled her to develop a deeper understanding of the tension between the social norms surrounding sexuality and family in China and individual agency and to form the current research idea.

Education

• PhD in Sociology, University of York (in progress)
• MSc in Social Psychology, Nanjing University (2019-2022)
• BA in German Language and Literature, Chongqing University (2015-2019)

Research

Overview

Xinzhe’s current work is about Chinese mothers who had children through assisted reproductive technology in same-sex relationships. She will explore how Chinese two-mother families navigate their daily life inside and outside their family and interact with social norms around gender, sexuality, technology, reproduction and family.