Women's Lives in Ancient China Essay

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Women Live in Ancient China

China is one of the world's oldest nations, being more than 4000 years old it shows no signs of decline. China has a rich history. It was ruled by several men and by various dynasties. Each ruler set standards for how the Chinese civilization was to be governed and every emperor and dynasty makes the history of China only more interesting.

The ancient Chinese society was predominantly male oriented. Women were considered to be unequal and inferior to men. Most women lived an oppressed life. Even women who belonged to rich and noble families could not always escape from the oppression; however, to an extent their lives were easier than the majority of the other females. (Waley)

The role of women in ancient China was defined by Confucius who was a philosopher, teacher and politician. He believed that women should spend most of their lives serving the men of their families. It so often used to happen that several generations of one family used to live in the same house and so the else people had to be treated with utmost respect. Confucius emphasized that it was not at all acceptable in the Chinese society that women have ambitions and they were not to be permitted to leave their homes.

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(Huang, 1997) According to Confucius a woman's greatest duty was to bear and raise a son. The birth of a son was preferred over the birth of a daughter and was considered an excuse for celebrations. (Falkenhausen)

In ancient China, marriages were usually arranged. The parents who were considering getting their children married would first consult an astrologer, who would then analyze each child's birth chart. If both, the male and female whose marriage was being arranged were it compatible according the astrologer, a date for marriage would be set. (Richard, 2002) Since women did not have a say or any control over their lives, the word of their father would be final for his daughter to marry. Once married, a woman would move to her in-laws house where she would submit them for the rest of her life. A day after marriage the woman would be expected to bow down and offer tea to her new family and would from then onwards be obliged to obey every member of the family. (Scarpari)….....

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