Elena Caprioni

Dr. Elena Caprioni received her PhD in Chinese Modern and Contemporary History and International Relations from the University of Cagliari (Italy) in Jan. 2009, focusing her dissertation research on Uyghur-Han ethnic relations. Elena then undertook post-doctoral studies at the Institute of Asian Research (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) on Uyghur sexist proverbs, and the FDI in China’s mining sector, with an emphasis on Canadian mining companies. Over the past year Elena has been the Program Director of the Asian Business and Management Program at York University.

Her research interests are in the areas of ethnicity and identity with a focus on Uyghurs. Her work is focused on three major areas concerning: the interpretation of sociological theories, via ethnic tradition and cultural practices between Uyghur, Han Chinese and other ethnic groups in Xinjiang; analysis of sex bias and sex-role stereotyping in the attitudes and consciousness of the Uyghur society in their homeland and abroad, and the role of women in these societies; analysis of collective memory and the degree to which it is essential to forge the Uyghur identity outside of China.

Currently her research project in Toronto is focused on the analysis of Uyghur sexist proverbs against women and their key role in sustaining the Uyghur traditional reproduction of gender roles and the unity of the Uyghur 'nation'.