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.

Cantonese Translation:

Here is the translation of the article into Cantonese Chinese (Hong Kong):

我們可以從中國的性別失衡及其對領導力和創新影響中學到什麼

對於一個以創新、規劃和戰略遠見為榮的國家來說，中國的“一孩政策”代表了現代歷史上最深刻的批判性思維和規劃失誤之一。這項政策於1980年至2015年期間實施，導致了悲劇性的結果：數以百萬計的女嬰被屠殺，導致性別比例嚴重失衡，人口統計學家稱之為“失踪的女性”。當我們檢視這個問題時，必須問：一個以長期導向文化（如霍夫斯泰德（Hofstede）的文化維度）為榮的社會，如何未能預見到這樣一項政策的毀滅性社會、經濟和倫理後果？此外，對技術、人工智能的採用和全球倫理有何更廣泛的影響，特別是在聯合國和COP29/30等論壇上？

根植於男性主導的錯誤政策

“一孩政策”為了遏制人口過剩而引入，卻無意中暴露了男性主導的社會和政府中深深植根的偏見。這項政策由男性領導人制定並實施，對女性造成了不成比例的影響。中國文化傳統上重視兒子而非女兒，認為兒子是家族姓氏的傳承者和父母的養老保障。結果呢？人們對男性後代的偏好導致了廣泛的嬰兒殺害、選擇性別的墮胎和女嬰遺棄。

據估計，1980年至2010年間，由於這些做法，人口中有3000萬到6000萬的女孩“消失”了。在一些地區，如文化規範最強烈植根的農村地區，男性對女性出生的比例達到130個男孩對100個女孩。實際上，數百萬潛在的母親、勞動力和領導者被遺失 — — 這不僅是人類方面的無法計量的損失，也是經濟增長、社會穩定和性別平等方面的損失 [來源: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/18/chinas-one-child-policy-damage-decades].

歷史背景：一個母系權力的假說

有趣的是，當我們回顧中國的歷史時，有一個值得探索的假設 — — 一個想法，也許在面對多次外國入侵的毀滅性後果之後，這通常被稱為“百年屈辱”，女性可能被提升到權力位置以保護國家的男性。中國是否曾經差點成為一個母系社會，女性掌控領導權以重建和保護國家免受進一步的退化？

在19世紀和20世紀初，中國多次被外國列強 — — 英國、法國、日本及其他 — — 通過一系列戰爭、不平等條約和領土讓步所羞辱。該國被削弱，其男性在戰場和外交上遭遇失敗而士氣低落。在這樣的情況下，女性可能會挺身而出，出於保護家庭和維護國家未來的需要。

想象一下，一個中國的女性意識到男性領導在這一時期的失敗，主動承擔起保護剩餘男性的責任，保留他們的力量以待來日。這一假設表明，女性可能成為主要的決策者，專注於長期恢復和穩定。這樣的轉變可能導致一個母系社會，女性的領導不僅被接受，而且對國家的生存至關重要。

女性掌權的後果：母系社會和女性領導社會的啟示

歷史上有許多母系社會和女性領導國家的例子，提供了關於女性領導結果的寶貴見解。

1. 母系社會：

• 印度的卡西族（Khasi）： 印度梅加拉亞邦的卡西族是少數幾個仍然存在的母系社會之一。在這裡，財產和家庭血統由母系繼承，最小的女兒繼承家庭財產。女性在社會、經濟和政治生活中發揮著核心作用。因此，卡西女性享有更大的自主權，社會顯示出更高的性別平等、更好的社會凝聚力和一種重視共識與和諧的獨特治理方式 [來源: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/3/11/the-khasi-tribe-of-india].
• 中國的摩梭族（Mosuo）： 摩梭族，通常被稱為“女兒國”，是雲南和四川省的少數民族。在這個社會中，女性在治理、家庭和經濟事務中擁有主要權力。決策是共同做出的，並強調合作與可持續性。研究表明，摩梭族的衝突和犯罪率較低，其社會結構允許更平等的結果 [來源: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/26/mosuo-women-matrilineal-society-china-men].

2. 歷史上的女性領導及其成果：

• 英格蘭的伊麗莎白一世（Elizabeth I，1558–1603年）： 伊麗莎白一世的統治時期，被稱為伊麗莎白時代，通常被認為是英格蘭的黃金時代。在她的領導下，英格蘭見證了藝術、探索和經濟增長的繁榮。伊麗莎白的外交技巧幫助穩定了在動盪和宗教衝突後的英格蘭，她的戰略眼光為英格蘭崛起為全球大國奠定了基礎 [來源: https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/elizabeth-i-and-her-people].
• 印度的英迪拉·甘地（Indira Gandhi，1966–1984年）： 作為印度的第一位和唯一一位女總理，英迪拉·甘地領導印度進行了重大政治和經濟變革。她的政策，例如綠色革命，改變了印度的農業部門，使該國在糧食穀物方面自給自足。儘管她的任期期間存在爭議，如緊急狀態時期，但甘地的領導加強了印度的戰略自主性和全球地位 [來源: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Indira-Gandhi].
• 德國的安格拉·默克爾（Angela Merkel，2005–2021年）： 作為德國總理，安格拉·默克爾成為全球最有影響力的女性之一。她務實而穩健的領導幫助德國渡過了2008年的金融危機和歐元區危機，同時保持經濟穩定和增長。默克爾的領導方式，以共識建設和謹慎決策為特點，促成了德國的繁榮和穩定 [來源: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/24/angela-merkel-germanys-chancellor-for-16-years-has-left-a-legacy-of-compromise].

中國社會中女性權力的變化動態

然而，近年來，局勢發生了變化。由“一孩政策”造成的嚴重性別失衡意外改變了中國社會的權力動態。由於婚戀市場上女性短缺，中國女性發現自己處於一個新的有利位置。如今，女性越來越意識到自己稀缺的地位和由此產生的需求，這導致了她們對約會、婚姻和關係的期望發生了巨大變化。

中國女性現在要求潛在伴侶擁有顯著的財富和財務安全。被稱為“彩禮”的社會現象 — — 男性被期望為女性家庭提供大量金錢禮物或財產作為婚姻談判的一部分 — — 其價值不斷上升。這給男性及其家庭帶來了巨大壓力，特別是在性別失衡最嚴重的農村地區。一些地區的平均彩禮可達數十萬甚至數百萬人民幣，導致家庭為了給兒子找對象而負債 [來源: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005586/high-bride-prices-and-changing-marriage-customs-in-rural-china].

權力動態變化的結果與影響

權力動態的變化對中國社會產生了幾個深遠的影響：

1. 男性和家庭的經濟壓力： 對婚姻的財務安全和財富的需求不斷增加，導致中國男性及其家庭承受著重大經濟負擔。這種壓力促成了社會不穩定，債務水平上升，甚至男性中出現心理健康問題，因為他們覺得無法滿足這些期望。與婚姻相關的成本上升，不僅影響到個別家庭，還影響到更廣泛的經濟消費模式，因為儲蓄被轉向婚姻相關的開支 [來源: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2137281/chinese-men-are-left-singles-rising-bride-prices-mean-they-cannot].

2. 社會分層和不平等： 彩禮的上升和對財富的期望導致了更大的社會分層。較富有的男性在婚姻市場上具有明顯優勢，而較貧窮的男性，特別是在農村地區的男性，則越來越難以結婚。這種日益增長的不平等可能導致社會緊張，因為那些無法結婚的人 — — 通常被稱為“光棍” — — 更容易產生怨恨感、被排斥感和反社會行為 [來源: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-42731295].

3. 婚姻延遲和出生率下降： 權力動態的變化也導致了婚姻延遲和出生率下降。女性現在在婚姻市場上有更多的話語權，如果她們的期望沒有得到滿足，她們會選擇晚婚甚至不婚。這一趨勢進一步加劇了中國的人口挑戰，導致人口老齡化和勞動力萎縮，威脅到長期經濟穩定和增長 [來源: https://www.ft.com/content/6c05a98e-4831-11e9-bbc9-6917dce3dc62].

4. 性別規範和期望的變化： 這種新獲得的權力也在重新定義中國的性別規範。女性越來越優先考慮自己的職業、財務獨立和個人抱負，而不是傳統的婚姻和家庭期望。這種變化反映了一種更廣泛的文化轉變，女性不再被視為男性的附屬品，而是自己未來的賦權者。這一演變對工作場所、教育和領導角色的性別平等產生了影響，女性在要求平等和尊重方面變得更加自信 [來源: https://qz.com/1555107/chinese-women-are-increasingly-turning-to-feminism/].

中國的AI發展：男性主導領導的後果

隨著中國在人工智能發展方面的快速推進，這一領域中男性主導的領導地位引發了對AI技術倫理影響和治理的擔憂。中國的文化取向，深受父權價值觀的影響，強調力量、支配、權力和自豪 — — 這些特質通常與男性領導相關。相比之下，女性領導更常與社區、協作、家庭和關懷相關聯。

1. 人工智能發展和部署中的潛在偏見： 當AI系統主要由男性設計和治理時，特別是在一個重視力量和權力的社會中，AI可能會繼承這些偏見。例如，AI算法可能會被優化以實現競爭或防禦目的，例如監視、軍事應用和專制控制，而不是優先考慮社會福利、公平和協作的社區驅動解決方案。這可能導致AI加強威權治理結構，並加深社會不平等 [來源: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0174-4].

2. 人工智能治理中的倫理困境： 男性主導的人工智能治理可能意味著對公平、透明和包容等倫理考量的重視程度較低。缺乏多樣化的觀點，特別是那些受女性價值觀（如同理心、社區福祉和以人為本設計）驅動的觀點，可能會導致AI未能服務於更廣泛的社會。在隱私、監視和數據使用方面的倫理困境可能變得更加突出，因為優先考慮的是權力和控制，而不是包容和透明的治理 [來源: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/artificial-intelligence-diversity-equity-inclusion/].

3. 對社會的長期影響： 在一個人工智能的發展和治理偏向於支配和權力的社會中，強化現有社會階層和不平等的潛力增加。隨著人工智能技術滲透到生活的更多方面 — — 從就業決策到執法 — — 這些系統中嵌入的系統性偏見風險可能導致未來社會不平等的擴大，而不是縮小 [來源: https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-ethics-of-artificial-intelligence/].

從聯合國競爭的立場上利用人工智能作為橋樑來與金磚國家（BRICS）接觸

要從聯合國的競爭立場上有效地與金磚國家（巴西、俄羅斯、印度、中國、南非）接觸，關鍵是利用人工智能（AI）作為超越文化和政治差異的戰略橋樑。聯合國應認識到金磚國家作為強大的全球角色，其合作對於解決共同挑戰（如經濟發展、醫療保健和教育）至關重要。通過專注於提供互惠互利的人工智能驅動計劃（如改善婦女和女童的教育機會、提高醫療服務和優化可持續發展），聯合國可以推動符合金磚國家經濟和技術目標的性別平等和人權。

此外，聯合國應倡導制定包含公平、透明和包容原則的人工智能倫理框架，邀請金磚國家在塑造全球人工智能標準方面發揮重要作用。通過促進包容性治理模式並創建包括金磚國家代表在內的跨文化人工智能倫理委員會，聯合國可以確保這些國家不僅是參與者，而且是推進人工智能倫理實踐的領導者。這種方法允許聯合國建設性地與金磚國家接觸，推動一個共享的技術進步願景，同時促進社會公平和人權，最終縮小不同文化和政治體系之間的差距。

理解婚姻和親密關係中的權力動態：社會變革的關鍵

但是，要有效地解決性別平等問題並在像中國這樣的社會中實施有意義的變革，我們還必須了解婚姻和親密關係中男女之間的權力動態。在許多文化中，這些關係是社會規範的基石，影響從領導風格到經濟參與的一切。

1. 信任、權力和收入動態： 男女在關係中往往擁有不同形式的權力 — — 經濟、情感、社會和物理的。為了實現更具性別平等的社會，男性和女性都需要在這些權力動態中進行導航和重新談判。這涉及到了解信任、權力分享和經濟獨立如何導致更平衡的關係，從而導致更平衡的社會。

2. 人際和關係權力動態： 在傳統上男性掌權的社會中，個人關係可以成為更廣泛社會變革的縮影。為了讓男性接受更廣泛的社會、政治和經濟領域的性別平等，必須改變權力在親密環境中的看法和行使方式。鼓勵合作、共同決策和相互尊重的關係可以為更具包容性的治理和領導結構鋪平道路。

3. 變革的途徑： 為了實現有意義的變革，有必要創造一個環境 — — 無論是在公共政策還是在家庭中 — — 使男性不再覺得失去權力是一種威脅，而是因合作和合作而得到增強。教育、經濟激勵和慶祝共享權力的文化敘事可以幫助縮小這一差距。社會對性別角色的態度必須演變為在親密關係和更廣泛的社會環境中優先考慮平等、信任和合作。

在G20和其他方面平衡性別領導與地緣政治現實

雖然在領導和決策中納入女性的理由強而有力，但全球舞台遠非同質。特別是在G20內部和那些根植於信仰和男性主導的國家（如伊朗、伊拉克和其他中東國家）之間的地緣政治格局，為這一辯論增添了複雜性。

對於西方男性領導人來說，展示力量和權力仍然是維持地緣政治穩定和在擁有截然不同的文化規範和價值觀的國家中保持領導地位的關鍵。在許多這些國家，領導與強調男性主導和父權制治理的傳統和宗教框架密切相關。

1. 處理文化敏感性： 在聯合國和COP會議等論壇上，西方領導人往往必須在倡導性別平等的同時與男性主導社會的領導人進行外交接觸之間取得平衡。過於激進地推動性別平等有時會適得其反，導致被指責為文化帝國主義或不敏感。例如，像伊朗和沙特阿拉伯這樣的國家有特定的法律和文化框架來規範性別角色，外部壓力的突然增加可能會導致更強的抵抗，而不是進展 [來源: https://www.mei.edu/publications/gender-and-power-middle-east].

2. 國際關係中的現實主義（Realpolitik）： 在與男性主導的治理是治理基礎的國家打交道時，西方領導人必須表現出一種“現實政治”（realpolitik） — — 一種承認需要力量和權力來維持全球秩序的務實方法。這種方法有助於防止疏遠並確保在更廣泛的問題上（如氣候變化、經濟發展和全球安全）進行合作。強有力的領導並不意味著放棄對性別權利的倡導，而是將其戰略地定位在更廣泛的外交目標中 [來源: https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/06/11/gender-politics-and-international-relations-in-middle-east-pub-82067].

3. 女性領導人在地緣政治中的角色： 像紐西蘭的傑辛達·阿德恩（Jacinda Ardern）和德國的安格拉·默克爾這樣的女性領導人，在與男性主導的國家打交道時，通常採取的是力量與同情心平衡的策略，顯示出領導效能不僅取決於性別，還取決於其駕馭複雜文化和地緣政治格局的能力。她們的領導風格 — — 在全球問題上堅定不移的同時具備文化敏感性 — — 在全球舞台上贏得了尊重，展示了一種對國際外交的細膩方法 [來源: https://hbr.org/2020/11/research-7-types-of-leaders-who-are-best-equipped-to-handle-a-crisis].

全球論壇中的倫理問題：聯合國和COP29/30

中國的性別政策對技術、創新和倫理的全球討論也有影響，特別是在聯合國和即將舉行的COP29和COP30會議上。隨著世界變得越來越相互聯繫，關於人工智能和技術採用的倫理考量已成為核心議題。

聯合國一直在倡導性別平等及其對可持續發展的重要性。中國的人口危機，由於缺乏前瞻性和性別平等而造成，清楚地表明社會不平衡如何導致更廣泛的倫理和經濟困境。隨著全球領導人討論人工智能治理的未來、倫理以及多樣性在創新中的作用，這個問題可能會受到密切關注。信息非常明確：一個不重視一半人口的國家無法可信地領導全球在倫理AI發展上的進步 [來源: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/].

同樣，在COP29和COP30的背景下，氣候變化和可持續發展將成為焦點，討論也可能會超越環境政策，涵蓋社會可持續性。由於中國的“一孩政策”等失敗政策而加劇的性別不平等威脅著社會的可持續性。應對氣候變化不僅需要技術創新，還需要社會公平和包容性治理 — — 這是中國在其以男性主導的政策歷史中可能需要解決的問題 [來源: https://unfccc.int/cop-29].

生產力分析：包括女性與以男性為中心的社會

將女性納入決策角色和勞動力已被證明與更高的生產力、經濟增長和更好的治理結果正相關。接受領導和勞動力性別多樣性的國家往往超過那些以男性為主的結構。

1. 經濟增長和GDP： 世界銀行、國際貨幣基金組織和麥肯錫的研究表明，勞動力中的性別多樣性可以顯著提高一個國家的GDP。例如，麥肯錫的《性別平等的力量》報告估計，到2025年，促進女性平等可以為全球GDP增加12萬億美元。在女性在領導角色和勞動力中更為活躍的國家，如斯堪的納維亞（挪威、瑞典、丹麥），人均GDP在世界上名列前茅。這些國家在性別平等指數中排名很高，即使在全球經濟低迷時期也表現出韌性和持續的經濟增長 [來源: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/the-power-of-parity-advancing-womens-equality-in-the-united-states].

2. 勞動生產力和勞動力參與： 女性的勞動力參與率是衡量一個國家整體生產力的重要因素。女性勞動力參與率較高的國家，如德國和加拿大，與女性參與率顯著較低的國家相比，顯示出更強勁的經濟增長。例如，日本的“女性經濟學”倡議旨在提高女性的勞動力參與，近年來對日本的經濟振興努力做出了貢獻，顯示出對生產力和GDP的積極影響 [來源: https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2018/10/18/na101818-imf-staff-discussion-note-on-womenomics-in-japan].

3. 創新和企業績效： 瑞士信貸的一項研究發現，至少有一名女性在董事會中的公司表現優於全男性董事會的公司。多元化的領導團隊在風險管理、戰略規劃和促進創新方面更出色。在以男性為中心的社會中，女性被邊緣化，往往會出現群體思維、創造力較低以及在全球市場上更多錯失的機會 [來源: https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us-news/en/articles/media-releases/credit-suisse-research-institute-cs-gender-300920.html].

4. 社會和倫理治理： 在領導層性別平等較高的國家，往往在社會、環境和治理（ESG）指標上表現更好。擁有一些最高女性領導力比率的斯堪的納維亞國家在可持續性、創新和社會福利的全球排名中始終領先。相比之下，以男性為中心的社會，如一些中東和亞洲地區，在這些措施上往往落後，影響其全球競爭力 [來源: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gender].

結論：呼籲更聰明、更具包容性的領導和平衡的外交

隨著中國進入21世紀，它面臨一個選擇：繼續以男性主導的領導忽視其一半人口，或採用一個更具包容性的模式，承認女性在領導角色和技術創新中的固有價值。如果中國真誠相信其戰略遠見和長期規劃能力，則必須解決導致如此災難性政策失敗及其對技術和倫理的深遠影響的系統性問題。反思一個假設的過去，即女性在危機時期崛起以保護和領導，這提供了一個深刻的提醒。只有從這些錯失的機會中吸取教訓 — — 並了解當前女性如何利用其稀缺性來獲得權力 — — 中國才能如其所願地聰明，並在聯合國和COP29/30等全球舞台上站穩腳跟。

同時，西方領導人必須在倡導性別平等的同時尊重男性主導社會的文化和政治框架。一種結合力量與同理心的細膩方法對於促進在多元信仰和價值觀世界中的全球合作和進步至關重要。