Gender Roles In Early Chinese Dynasties

Chinese Patriarchies throughout the Early Major Dynasties Gender roles in early Chinese dynasties varied due to time period, influence from neighboring societies, rulers, religions, and many other factors in such a way that affected the daily and lifelong actions of both men and women. The majority of information on this topic is known from the major dynasties of China, which were the most significant of the many dynasties in early history (Strayer, 2nd Ed.). Throughout history, ideas and beliefs about gender roles and patriarchy have been in constant change. Originally, in hunter-gatherer times, men and women were relatively equal because they both contributed equally to the family, whether in different ways or not. As time progressed,

Dao was even referred to as “mother,” which showed that male superiority was not the main goal in that religion. Dao history shows that women could often be nuns, priests, or meditators. Pastoral peoples, who had a more fair and equal society, from north of China moved down to pick up the Han Dynasty’s remains. This, combined with the change of religious views weakened the once strong patriarchy, gave women more rights, roles, and religious positions (Strayer 1st Ed., 254-255). A huge example of this is Empress Wu, who was the first and only female emperor in all of Chinese history. Wu ruled bluntly and led the city of Shangguan to great power. She was said to elevate women with her decisions, such as by allowing both genders to participate in the civil service exam. Her time as empress was short-lived and a female would never lead China again

In contrast to past times, this new Tang Dynasty with its new beliefs allowed women to enjoy education in schools, have choice in marriage, work, and many other things. Laws also now allowed females to own land, conduct business, and inherit their spouses land. During this time, women could initiate divorce without punishment, while in the past they were forced to maintain marriage with their husband. Women could now learn and participate in history, politics, economics, military learning and more. Some women even fought in battles. As the Tang Dynasty fell, the time of women being able to exercise their rights, conduct business, and even express themselves in public came to a close. The revival of Confucianism ended the Tang traditions and brought forth the Song Dynasty ("Tang